NASCAR National Series Clinch Scenarios Set For Homestead

NASCAR National Series Clinch Scenarios Set For Homestead


 (Nov. 14, 2010) –
With only 15 points separating the top two drivers, the closest championship in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup’s seven-year history won’t be won easily.

The only way points leader Denny Hamlin can guarantee a clinch of his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship is by either finishing second while leading the most laps or winning next Sunday’s season finale Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Jimmie Johnson, in second,and Kevin Harvick, in third, are the only other drivers still eligible to win the 2010 title. Harvick trails Hamlin by 46 points.

Hamlin’s 15-point lead is the closest margin between first and second in Chase history, bettering the 18-point difference Kurt Busch held over Johnson in 2004.

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Though Brad Keselowski has already clinched the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver’s championship, the series owner’s title has yet to be decided.

Currently, the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota holds a 41-point lead over the No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge.

The No. 18 can guarantee the title by finishing fifth; or sixth with at least one lap led; or seventh while leading the most laps on Saturday at Homestead.

This season, the No. 18 has been driven by Kyle Busch (28 races) and Brad Coleman (six races). Busch is scheduled to drive at Homestead. Brad Keselowski has run the full schedule in the No. 22.

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Last Friday, Todd Bodine clinched his second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver’s championship. The 2010 owner’s championship, though, has not been decided.

The No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota holds a 120-point lead over the No. 30 Germain Racing Toyota going into Friday night’s season finale at Homestead.

The No. 18 can guarantee the title by finishing 29th; or 31st with at least one lap led; or 32nd while leading the most laps.

This season, the No. 18 has been driven by Kyle Busch (15 races), Brian Ickler (seven races), Kasey Kahne (one race) and Johnny Benson (one race). Busch is scheduled to drive next Saturday at Homestead. Todd Bodine has run the full schedule in the No. 30.