NASCAR

FILE - This June 29, 2012 file photo shows Dale Earnhardt, Jr., left, sharing a laugh with fellow driver Jimmie Johnson, right, in the garage before a practice session at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky. Johnson won one of NASCAR's marquee races and is poised to contend for another title? No surprise there. But how about this: Earnhardt Jr. left the Brickyard 400 with the Sprint Cup Series points lead. (AP Photo/Bud Kraft, File)