Six-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was quick to endorse NASCAR’s newly announced rule changes for 2015, although he noted that the impending ban on private testing will require a change of approach by teams like his Hendrick Motorsports squad.

“In one respect it’s great,” Johnson told NASCAR.com of the testing ban. “We don’t have to spend more time away from home (to) go testing. As long as you’re in great shape, you’re going to be happy with that rule.

“We’ve (Hendrick) been one that has used Nashville and a lot of other tracks to advance our cars,” he added. “We’re going to have to do it the old-fashioned way, at the track. Use practice sessions as test sessions and also fall back on our tools and instruments that we have in-house at Hendrick Motorsports.”

Michael Waltrip Racing’s Brian Vickers said the reduction in downforce next year resulting from a reduction in the height of the rear spoiler on the car “should make the driver a greater part of the success equation.”

“There is a ton to absorb with the announcement… but I think all of the changes are in the right direction,” Vickers said. “The testing ban is the right decision. It saves car owners some money and increases the quality of life for all the crew that don’t get to spend a lot of time with their family.”

Johnson added that he believes regular tinkering with the rules package helps keep the level of competition high.

“I was in a great conversation with (Clint) Bowyer … he brought up a good point. Every time there is change, there is more competition,” he told NASCAR.com. “When the rules sit still for a long period of time, (competition) kind of falls into a follow-the-leader type of event. With more change, there will be that race again to find out who can figure out the mousetrap first.

“I’m not against that. And at the end of the day, if the cars really have a lot of give-up in them and they are abusing tires and wearing tires out, that’s going to create the best racing for us.”