Angie Campbell

As the NASCAR season approaches anticipation builds for the endless possibilities that a new year can bring. Will Earnhardt Jr. contend for a title? Will Smoke rise again? Will Kyle Larson finally grab that win? Will Roush Fenway Racing regain its former glory?

This week the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series head to Homestead-Miami Speedway for a tripleheader championship weekend as the 2014 season comes to a close.

The new playoff style Chase format was designed to put the emphasis on winning. Win and you’re in. Depending upon who you ask, it has brought out the best or the worst in the drivers.

Denny Hamlin captured the Coors Light Pole Award for Sunday’s Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 at Phoenix International Raceway Friday evening. The Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota had a lap speed of 142.113 mph as he grabbed his third pole of the season and his 20th series career pole.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch is being investigated after an allegation of domestic assault against his ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll.

This week NASCAR travels to Phoenix International Raceway. The Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix is the last chance to advance to the Championship Round next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Only four drivers will make it through to compete for the Sprint Cup Championship title.

This week NASCAR travels to Texas Motor Speedway for a tripleheader action packed weekend.

His smile is infectious and his exuberance contagious. Nowhere was that more evident than in victory lane after Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally won at Martinsville Speedway. He’s an unexpected combination of vulnerability and a hidden strength born of tragedy that endears him to not only his fans but his fellow competitors as well. When Earnhardt wins it’s difficult not to get caught up in his joy.

This weekend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series travels to Martinsville Speedway for the Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500 and the first race of the Eliminator Round. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is also on track for the Kroger 200.

“Any driver is going to lose more races than he wins, White said. “You got to learn how to be a good loser and it will make you a better winner.”