NASCAR raceday: Problems?

We're counting down to the season-ending event. And here's a little more to chew on while waiting for that green flag:

OBSERVATIONS

Hello! Hello! Is this thing on?

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France was asked on Friday about race fans who don’t like the Chase format or who prefer a return to the old points system.

His response: “You met somebody who’s telling you that?”

Whether France wants to believe it or not, many fans complain daily about the Chase, including a large contingent that hasn't liked it since it debuted in 2004.

France’s incredulous response leads to two theories: He believes his invention is so good he can’t believe anyone would disapprove, which smacks of arrogance. Or he simply doesn’t listen to the fans who write, e-mail, or otherwise complain through the newspapers, websites and radio stations that cover NASCAR.

That means he’s out of touch. Neither is very comforting.

Concerts aren't races

If, as NASCAR officials maintain, Homestead-Miami Speedway, is the best place to decide its champions, where are the fans?

I’m glad a lot of people turned out for the Zac Brown concert on Friday. But it only matters for racing if fans turn out at the track.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. So, who will it be? Jimmie Johnson will win his fifth consecutive Sprint Cup title Sunday or Denny Hamlin or Kevin Harvick will win their first. Hamlin holds a 15-point lead over Johnson, but Johnson starts the best of the three in the race (sixth).

2. Carl Edwards snapped a 70-race winless streak with a victory last weekend at Phoenix. Can he make it two in a row and solidify his position as a 2011 title contender?

3. Andy Lally will try to keep TRG Motorsports’ No. 71 Chevrolet in the crucial 35th position in owner points, which will lock the team into a starting position in the 2011 Daytona 500.

JUST THE FACTS

Ford 400

Where: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Fla.

Track type: 1.5-mile paved, banked oval.

Race distance: 267 laps or 400.5 miles.

When: Green flag is 1:16 p.m.

Weather: Partly cloudy with a high near 80.

TV: Coverage begins at noon on ESPN.

Radio: Motor Racing Network.

PICKS

JIM UTTER

Once again the Sprint Cup champion doesn’t win the season finale. But perhaps the race offers a glimpse of what’s to come.

Race winner: Carl Edwards. Champion: Jimmie Johnson.

BOB HENRY

Here's your upset special: The Virginian does all he can on Sunday, but just misses.

Race winner: Jeff Gordon. Champion: Jimmie Johnson.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This race winner entry has been updated, and not necessarily to reflect any improving odds for Hendrick Motorsports' first four-time champion, who did not win all of his titles in a row the way Jimmie Johnson has.

The change was made in response to the extreme lameness in math and reasoning skills previously displayed.

Harsh disciplinary measures have been ordered and will be forthcoming as soon as the moron responsible finishes posting all of our Homestead content Sunday night.