homestead-miami speedway

Martin Truex Jr. topped the chart in final Sprint Cup Series practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Jimmie Johnson topped the chart in second Sprint Cup Series practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

During the midst of a summer downturn, Rick Hendrick considered making a change that included severing Jimmie Johnson from Chad Knaus.

William Byron took the lead in the closing laps to close out the season with a victory, but it was Johnny Sauter, one of the elder statesman of the series, who beat the competition to finally add a championship to his resume.

Kevin Harvick will lead the field to the green flag on Sunday after posting the fastest time in the final round of qualifying in South Florida.

Ryan Newman topped the chart in first Sprint Cup Serie practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Tony Stewart, pondering whether failing to win any of the crown jewel events in NASCAR and IndyCar frustrates him, said it does, but "it was pretty damn cool to just have the opportunity to go race those races."

Asked where the 48 team's season started to turn around, Chad Knaus points to the Brickyard as being where they began their run to the championship finale.

With Byron eliminated from championship contention, it is looking like GMS Racing driver Johnny Sauter, is now in prime position to hoist the championship trophy at Homestead.

Jimmie Johnson captured his ninth win at Martinsville Speedway Sunday, securing his spot in the final Championship Round at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 20. It marks his 79th career victory, but more importantly, the opportunity to race for a seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup title.