Rewind | Commentary and some of the key moments
Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
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HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 22: Marcos Ambrose, driver of the #47 Little Debbie/Kingsford/Clorox Toyota, spins out of control behind Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, climbs in his car in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 21, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 22: Crew members of Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship after finishing in fifth place in the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. Johnson becomes the first driver in the history of NASCAR to win four consecutive championships since the sports inception in 1949.during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Getty Images for NASCAR
HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 22: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship after finishing in fifth place in the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. Johnson becomes the first driver in the history of NASCAR to win four consecutive championships since the sports inception in 1949.during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Getty Images
HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 22: Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Rewind
About that consistency thing ...
Throughout NASCAR this season, there was one common denominator: Finishing second is nothing to be disappointed about.
Yes, Jimmie Johnson has won four straight Cup titles, but the performance required to win it has improved each season, just as it has in the Nationwide Series. Running second could have won five of the last six championships.
And then there was Ron Hornaday in the Truck series – with five-straight wins at one point on his way to his record fourth title.
Heading the right direction?
If anyone can look for some hope for next season, it’s the people at Richard Childress Racing. After struggling most of the 2009 season, they ended the year on a high note.
Kevin Harvick was second in the number of laps led Sunday. Teammate Jeff Burton finished second for the second consecutive race.
Logano proves Martin a prophet
About three years ago, Mark Martin said he would put then-16-year-old driver Joey Logano in a Cup car that very day if he could.
And now Logano is rookie of the year in the Cup series and, at 19, the youngest to win the award. He is also the youngest race winner in Cup history.
Key moments
Lap 1
Jimmie Johnson leads the first lap and collects five bonus points, putting even more distance between himself and Mark Martin in the championship battle.
Lap 86
Kevin Harvick passes leader Tony Stewart and leads the next 49 laps, but won't lead again.
Lap 116
Part I of Tony Stewart vs. Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya bumps Stewart from behind, then Stewart slams into Montoya as they race side-by-side.
Lap 156
Part II of Stewart-Montoya. Montoya comes back out after repairs from the previous incident and wrecks Stewart. Montoya is penalized two laps.
Lap 223
Denny Hamlin passes Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch and holds off Jeff Burton for the win.
Next race
2010 Daytona 500
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.
TV: Fox.
Radio: Motor Racing Network.
Last year’s winner: Matt Kenseth.
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