Motorsports FanHouse

Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Homestead

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:46:00 EST

Filed under: Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Stewart, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup

Notes, quotes & commentary from a championship weekend in Homestead.

Well, there you have it.

We, as NASCAR fans in 2009, have seen something that has never been done before in the 61 years of NASCAR competition, and something that could very easily not happen for another 161 years if this sport lasts that long.

Yep, Jimmie Johnson -- the smooth-drivin' Californian -- is the first guy in all of NASCAR's moonshining and intimidating history to take four straight championships at any level. But, strangely, he's not the first to do so in a major stock car racing series.

Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Homestead originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stewart, Montoya Tangle in Finale

Holly Cain — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:50:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Stewart, NASCAR Crashes, Sprint Cup

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya positioned themselves for a grand finale in NASCAR's Sprint Cup season-ender at Homestead Miami Speedway on Sunday. Montoya was set for a career-best points finish, with Stewart enjoying a great debut effort for his own new team.

Instead of finishing on a high note, the two veterans engaged in a spirited battle of fender-banging that resulted in both losing positions in the final championship standings.

Stewart, Montoya Tangle in Finale originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rick Hendrick Misses Season Finale

Holly Cain — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Chase for the Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports announced Sunday morning that team owner Rick Hendrick would not be trackside at Homestead Miami Speedway for that afternoon's Ford 400 NASCAR season finale, but instead remained back in Charlotte, N.C., for a family emergency.

Hendrick's 29-year-old niece Alesha Gainey is in critical condition at a Charlotte hospital being prepared for a liver transplant, Hendrick Motorsports general manager Marshall Carlson told reporters. Gainey is the daughter of Hendrick's late brother John, who was killed in a plane accident in 2004 along with Hendrick's son Ricky and two other of John Hendrick's daughters.

"Rick's priority at this point is supporting his family,'' Carlson said. "He's so proud of his teams but needs to be with his niece and her family.''

Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson earned his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup championship later in the day, defeating HMS teammate Mark Martin by 141 points. Johnson's title also gives HMS its ninth Cup championship, which ties it with Petty Enterprises for the most in Cup Series history.

Rick Hendrick Misses Season Finale originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Warmup: Homestead

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

by Geoffrey Miller

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup

The Essentials

Race: Ford 400

Where: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Time: Sunday 3:15 PM ET
TV/Radio: ABC, MRN Radio
Twitter: Updates @ FanHouseRacing
Forecast: Mostly sunny, High 60s
Distance: 267 laps (400.5 miles)
Pole Winner: Jimmie Johnson
2008 Winner: Carl Edwards

The Storylines

Like Jimmie Johnson or not, and like the Chase or not, should Johnson go on to win his fourth career Sprint Cup championship Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway it would be completely worthy of every bit of the praises gien and the historical references noted.

FanHouse Warmup: Homestead originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rejuvenated Mark Martin Remains NASCAR's Sentimental Favorite

Holly Cain — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:16:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Mark Martin winces, then breaks into a grin every time he hears the introduction.

"Ladies and gentlemen ... Mark Martin, who is attempting to become the oldest champion in NASCAR history."

The difference between this week and years ago is that Martin grinned. He's been doing that a lot lately.

Martin trails his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson by 108 points entering Sunday's Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway. Johnson, 34, only needs to finish 25th or better to clinch a historic fourth consecutive title.

Martin, 50, is still looking for his first.

Rejuvenated Mark Martin Remains NASCAR's Sentimental Favorite originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kyle Busch Wraps Up Nationwide Title

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

by FanHouse Newswire

Filed under: Kyle Busch, Nationwide Series

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) -- Kyle Busch only needed the green flag to drop to win his first NASCAR title. His coronation was never in doubt and neither, really, was the outcome of the Nationwide Series finale.

Busch made it a double dose of celebration for Joe Gibbs Racing, wrapping up the series championship before turning a single lap and capping Saturday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway with his ninth trip to Victory Lane.

"It's not easy to win in any division in this sport when you're racing against some of the best," Busch said. "It's a big deal."

Kyle Busch Wraps Up Nationwide Title originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newman Satisfied With Team Debut

Holly Cain — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- If pressed to find one thing Ryan Newman would change about his season, of course, he'd like to score a win in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway.

After being close to victory circle a half-dozen times this season, that's about the only thing he feels is missing from a stellar debut season with the essentially start-up Stewart-Haas Racing team. Newman won two pole positions in the No. 39 U.S. Army-sponsored Chevrolet and, after an ominous start at the season-opening Daytona 500, still qualified for the 12-driver Chase for the Championship.

In our last installment of Inside the Chase for the Championship with Ryan Newman, FanHouse looks at the evolution of the season and how Newman evaluates his fresh start.

Newman Satisfied With Team Debut originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Johnson Wins Pole for Homestead Finale

Holly Cain — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:25:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- The hard-core conspirators will think NASCAR scripted it. The reality is Jimmie Johnson was the fastest driver of the day.

Johnson will start his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet from the pole position in Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway -- the ultimate beginning to the last chapter in his quest to become the first driver to win four consecutive championships.

Of all things Johnson knocked his Hendrick Motorsports teammate -- and only title challenger left -- Mark Martin off the top spot on the qualifying speed chart. Johnson leads Martin by 108 points and needs only to finish 25th or better to clinch his historic championship.

Johnson Wins Pole for Homestead Finale originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brian France Talks State of NASCAR

Holly Cain — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Chase for the Sprint Cup

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- NASCAR Chairman Brian France held an impromptu news conference Friday at Homestead Miami Speedway, addressing topics from NASCAR's legal battle with driver Jeremy Mayfield, to shortening the schedule, to the Chase for the Championship format and the possibility of Danica Patrick coming to NASCAR.

Generally speaking and considering the poor state of the economy, France said he's pleased with the season although he'd love to have fuller fields of cars carrying more corporate sponsorship and better television ratings. He said the COT is here to stay and he doubts NASCAR will start shortening the lengths of races.

Here are excerpts from France's meeting with reporters.

Brian France Talks State of NASCAR originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmie Johnson Signs Contract Extension With Hendrick

Holly Cain — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:25:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Two days before he attempts to wrap up a historic fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson has announced a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will keep the champ driving the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet through the 2015 season.

"It's the only car I've ever driven,'' Johnson said with a smile Friday morning. "I'm very proud of that.''

Cain on Johnson: Long Road to American Hero | Toast of the Coast

Jimmie Johnson Signs Contract Extension With Hendrick originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everything's Gravy in Hendrick Universe

Holly Cain — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:35:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports

MIAMI -- NASCAR's Championship Weekend officially kicked off Thursday during a contenders press conference that couldn't have been less like boxing's version of a pre-bout showdown. This was more meet-and-greet than stare-and-glare.

The players here -- three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin -- like each other, so much so it was difficult to remember that they are actually competing against one another.

Johnson gushed about what a great driver Martin is. And Martin humbly insisted he was just happy to be in position to challenge Johnson. And their team owner Rick Hendrick maintained, "I'm just living the dream."

Whitley: Johnson the Great Unknown

Everything's Gravy in Hendrick Universe originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmie Johnson: The Great Unknown

David Whitley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST

by David Whitley

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson doesn't need help winning. He desperately needs help making people appreciate winning.

On Sunday, Johnson clinched his fourth straight Sprint Cup title. To put that in layman's terms, Johnson is the Yankees, Patriots and American Idol wrapped into one.

That makes Johnson the most under-loved dynasty in sports history. When he won the crown Sunday at Homestead, most of America likely stifled a yawn unless he would have popped out of the cockpit dressed as Danica Patrick. (Needless to say, he didn't.)

Jimmie, we're here to help.

Jimmie Johnson: The Great Unknown originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmie Johnson: Toast of the Coast

Holly Cain — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Chase for the Sprint Cup

With Jimmie Johnson becoming the first racer in history to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships on Sunday, FanHouse motorsports writer Holly Cain took a trip to his hometown outside San Diego last week. This is the second of a two-part series looking at the unlikely start for a stock car great.

Part I: Long Road to Be an American Hero | Whitley: The Great Unknown

Jimmie Johnson: Toast of the Coast originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Championship-Worthy Seasons Not Enough for Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:20:00 EST

by Geoffrey Miller

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup

The cloudy white smoke from Jimmie Johnson's marathon victory burnout at Phoenix International Raceway Sunday seemed to have a double meaning.

On one hand, it was a celebration for all that Johnson has done right in the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup as he marches towards an improbable fourth straight Sprint Cup championship in the season's final race next weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

But on the other, it seemed to identify a brutal certainty for two of NASCAR's marquee drivers as once again Mark Martin's (2nd in points) and Jeff Gordon's (3rd) collective shots at NASCAR's biggest crown were figuratively going up in smoke.

More Coverage: Johnson in Cruise Control | Sprint Cup Standings

Championship-Worthy Seasons Not Enough for Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmie Johnson Wins at Phoenix to Cruise Into Finale

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:03:00 EST

by FanHouse Newswire

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Chase for the Sprint Cup

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Jimmie Johnson rebounded from a rare bad race with a dominating victory at Phoenix International Raceway that pushed him to the edge of a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship.

Johnson led 238 laps Sunday to win for the fourth time in the last five races at Phoenix. It was his seventh victory of the season, and fourth since the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

More important, it stretched his lead to 108 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin heading into the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson needs to finish 25th or better next week to grab a spot in NASCAR's record books.

More: Race Results | Sprint Cup Standings

Jimmie Johnson Wins at Phoenix to Cruise Into Finale originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Warmup: Checker 500

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:23:00 EST

by Geoffrey Miller

Filed under: Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup

The Essentials

Race: Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

Where: Phoenix Int'l Raceway
Time: Sunday 3:15 PM ET
TV/Radio: ABC, MRN Radio
Twitter: Updates @ FanHouseRacing
Forecast: Mostly sunny, High 60s
Distance: 312 laps (312 miles)
Pole Winner: Martin Truex Jr.
2008 Winner: Jimmie Johnson

The Storylines

What makes any NASCAR finish exciting, and any sporting event for that matter, is when the unexpected happens. A last-second shot, a last-second touchdown, an underdog felling a Goliath and even a last lap pass -- yes, even Jimmie Johnson smacking the wall last week at Texas -- all create the unanticipated result that feeds into creating the rush of a sporting event.

Unfortunately, the most recent data we have from Phoenix International Raceway doesn't leave a lot of hope that we'll be seeing the unforeseen Sunday afternoon at the 1-miler.

FanHouse Warmup: Checker 500 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint Cup Crown Remains Jimmie Johnson's to Lose

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:55:00 EST

by Geoffrey Miller

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup

The chaos of Lap 3 last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway certainly tossed the NASCAR world into a frenzy.

When the dust settled, version one of the No. 48 Texas Chevrolet became version two and both Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon failed to add the word "clutch" to their 2009 resumes, one point about NASCAR's most dominant driver became exceedingly clear.

Jimmie Johnson, point being, is still the de facto guy to beat for the 2009 Sprint Cup championship -- and it's going to take plenty more Texas-like highly unlikely events to keep three-time from becoming four-time.

Sprint Cup Crown Remains Jimmie Johnson's to Lose originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Dickies 500

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST

by Geoffrey Miller

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup

Notes, quotes and a dash of commentary from a NASCAR weekend in Texas.

What a difference a crew chief makes.

Kyle Busch, a Sprint Cup nobody in the last few weeks, rocketed back to his expected form with new team leader Dave Rogers calling the shots Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. Busch had the dominant car and led 232 of 334 laps before a fuel miscalculation or a blind shot at a win kept him from making history by being the first driver to win three races in one weekend.

And strangely, Busch's old form of letting his crew chief do the post-race talking returned, too.

Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Dickies 500 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmie Johnson's Extra Motivation

Holly Cain — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:45:00 EST

by Holly Cain

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Chase for the Sprint Cup

Turns out everyone was a little ahead of themselves.

The wild-card race wasn't last week at Talladega, Ala., but Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. At least as far as NASCAR championship points leader Jimmie Johnson is concerned.

All week the three-time defending Sprint Cup Series champ refused to buy into everyone else's hype that he had a historic fourth consecutive title wrapped up. He cautioned, chastised and -- as it turned out, correctly predicted -- that the 184-point lead over the field he took into Sunday's race wasn't enough to seal the deal.

After being collected in a crash only three laps into the 334-lap Dickies 500, Johnson's nearly one-race points advantage has shrunk to only 73 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin with two races remaining.

More: Kurt Busch Wins in Texas | Results | Cup Standings

Jimmie Johnson's Extra Motivation originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kurt Busch Wins at Texas, Wreck Cuts Jimmie Johnson's Lead

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:11:00 EST

by FanHouse Newswire

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Chase for the Sprint Cup

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Jimmie Johnson's drive to history took a hard hit against the wall and Kyle Busch ran out of gas trying to complete an unprecedented NASCAR trifecta.

Kurt Busch won at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, taking over the lead with 2 1/2 laps left when his younger brother's car suddenly slowed on the backstretch after leading 232 of the 334 laps.

Johnson, the series points leader trying to become the first Sprint Cup driver to win four consecutive season championships, wrecked on the third lap.

More: Johnson Wrecks on Lap 3 | Results | Cup Standings

Kurt Busch Wins at Texas, Wreck Cuts Jimmie Johnson's Lead originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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