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[/media-credit]It’s what fans have been screaming for and exactly what NASCAR needs. It’s down to the last race at Homestead and we have three contenders who all have a legitimate chance to win it all.
Each driver has their own unique story and it’s impossible to find a NASCAR fan that isn’t salivating in anticipation.
Denny Hamlin was widely proclaimed by the media at the end of last season as the driver who could de-throne the reigning king, Jimmie Johnson.
But early this season a knee injury and subsequent surgery had the same media writing him off.
Hamlin had a slow start this season but rallied back with eight wins and heads into Homestead with a slim 15 point lead in the points standings.
Last year, Hamlin won at Homestead-Miami Speedway and has three top-three finishes in five starts at the track.
The Championship is his to win or lose but his triumph over adversity would make this young driver a popular hero if he pulls it off.
Kevin Harvick is probably the long shot in the equation but with 25 top-10 finishes this season, don’t count him out. Throw strategy and luck into the mix and anything could happen.
And what a story that would be. Who wouldn’t be happy to see the driver who replaced Dale Earnhardt win another championship for Richard Childress?
Jimmie Johnson is already in the NASCAR record books for winning four consecutive championships. If you think he’s satisfied with that, think again. The team of Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus don’t show any indication that they’re done yet.
Johnson knows how to win a championship and another title is within his grasp. If you love to see history in the making, then Johnson is your man.
NASCAR has been plagued with sagging ratings and empty seats but this three driver shootout is just what the doctor ordered.
Win, lose or draw, these three drivers have breathed new life into NASCAR.
