Five years ago, the first Chase came down to the final lap of the final race. Kurt Busch prevailed, but he needed some help.
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Five years ago, the first Chase came down to the final lap of the final race. Kurt Busch prevailed, but he needed some help.

Mark Martin is still in the championship hunt, but that's not what he's thinking about.
Chase Diary

Ten years ago, Rick Hendrick made a decision that turned his team into a dynasty.
Jay Hart story

Kyle Busch (right) is unappreciated and Denny Hamlin is underwhelming.
Ricky Craven column

Unhappy at RPM, Kasey Kahne will likely test the
free-agent market in 2010.
Jay Busbee blog
Jimmie Johnson doesn't get the credit he deserves, while Kyle Busch gets credit for the wrong reasons. Read More
With one race to go, Mark Martin still isn't concerned with racing for a championship. He just wants to win races. Read More
The Chase has been void of suspense lately, but that wasn't always the case. Read More

Three-time defending NASCAR champ extended
Three-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has signed a contract extension keeping him with Hendrick Motorsports through 2015. (Nov. 20)
Posted Nov 20 2009
More: NASCAR video
Championship contender: Mark Martin
Mark Martin reacts to people saying he's one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history and says he's out to win this weekend like he is in every race.
Posted Nov 19 2009
More: NASCAR video
Drivers discuss what makes Homestead-Miami Speedway a great place for an end of the season race.
Posted Nov 20 2009
More: NASCAR video
| 2009 Standings | Behind |
|---|---|
| 1. Jimmie Johnson (48) | - |
| 2. Mark Martin (5) | -108 |
| 3. Jeff Gordon (24) | -169 |
| 4. Kurt Busch (2) | -211 |
| 5. Tony Stewart (14) | -285 |
| 6. Juan Pablo Montoya (42) | -289 |
| 7. Greg Biffle (16) | -321 |
| 8. Denny Hamlin (11) | -352 |
| 9. Ryan Newman (39) | -411 |
| 10. Kasey Kahne (9) | -476 |
| 11. Carl Edwards (99) | -520 |
| 12. Brian Vickers (83) | -666 |
| 2009 Standings | Behind |
|---|---|
| 1. Kyle Busch (18) | - |
| 2. Carl Edwards (60) | -190 |
| 3. Brad Keselowski (88) | -250 |
| 4. Jason Leffler (38) | -1056 |
| 5. Mike Bliss (1) | -1527 |
| 6. Justin Allgaier (12) | -1541 |
| 7. Steve Wallace (66) | -1627 |
| 8. Jason Keller (27) | -1656 |
| 9. Brendan Gaughan (62) | -1703 |
| 10. Michael Annett (15) | -1989 |
| 2009 Standings | Behind |
|---|---|
| 1. Ron Hornaday Jr. (33) | - |
| 2. Matt Crafton (88) | -215 |
| 3. Mike Skinner (5) | -365 |
| 4. Todd Bodine (30) | -540 |
| 5. Johnny Sauter (13) | -624 |
| 6. Brian Scott (16) | -637 |
| 7. Colin Braun (6) | -649 |
| 8. David Starr (24) | -692 |
| 9. Timothy Peters (117) | -693 |
| 10. Rick Crawford (14) | -768 |
Homestead, FL
Currently: 80°F
| Qualifying | Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Jimmie Johnson (48) | 173.919 |
| 2. | Scott Speed (82) | 172.695 |
| 3. | Marcos Ambrose (47) | 172.678 |
| 4. | Mark Martin (5) | 172.353 |
| 5. | Tony Stewart (14) | 172.243 |
| 6. | Kevin Harvick (29) | 172.144 |
| 7. | Ryan Newman (39) | 172.035 |
| 8. | Greg Biffle (16) | 172.024 |
| 9. | Bill Elliott (21) | 171.860 |
| 10. | Clint Bowyer (33) | 171.838 |
Avondale, AZ
Currently: 73°F
| Final | Pts/Bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Carl Edwards (60) | 195/10 |
| 2. | Kevin Harvick (33) | 170/0 |
| 3. | Reed Sorenson (32) | 165/0 |
| 4. | Clint Bowyer (29) | 160/0 |
| 5. | Brad Keselowski (88) | 155/0 |
| 6. | David Ragan (6) | 150/0 |
| 7. | Matt Kenseth (16) | 146/0 |
| 8. | Mike Bliss (11) | 142/0 |
| 9. | Kyle Busch (18) | 138/0 |
| 10. | Steve Wallace (66) | 134/0 |
Next Race: Saturday, Nov 21
Avondale, AZ
Currently: 73°F
| Final | Pts/Bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kevin Harvick (4) | 195/10 |
| 2. | Kyle Busch (51) | 175/5 |
| 3. | Aric Almirola (15) | 170/5 |
| 4. | Ron Hornaday Jr. (33) | 160/0 |
| 5. | Johnny Sauter (13) | 160/5 |
| 6. | Mike Skinner (5) | 150/0 |
| 7. | Mike Bliss (25) | 146/0 |
| 8. | Matt Crafton (88) | 142/0 |
| 9. | David Starr (24) | 138/0 |
| 10. | Stacy Compton (60) | 134/0 |
Next Race: Friday, Nov 20