The last races of the 2013 NASCAR season are this weekend and new champions are going to be crowned in all three series.
What are the scenarios that have to happen for the top drivers to claim the coveted trophy at Homestead-Miami Speedway?
Matt Crafton may have the least amount of stress heading into the weekend. To clinch the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series trophy, Crafton has to finish 18th or better; or 19th or better with at least one lap led; or 20th or better with the most laps led. Crafton is 46 points ahead of Ty Dillon in the standings. Crafton will pilot the No. 88 ThorSport Racing Toyota at Homestead on Friday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
Austin Dillon and Sam Hornish, Jr. have the tightest battle in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with just eight points separating the two. The points leader, Dillon, will have to finish third or better; or fourth or better with at least one lap led; or fifth of better with most laps led in Saturday’s race. Dillon will drive the No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing while Sam Hornish, Jr. will wheel the No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts Ford for Penske Racing. The race begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Jimmie Johnson is seeking his sixth Sprint Cup championship at Homestead. Johnson and his No. 48 Lowes Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet will have to finish 23rd or better; or 24th or better and at least one lap led; or 25th or better and the most laps led in Sunday’s race. He leads Matt Kenseth by 28 points in the championship standings. Kenseth drives the No. 20 Dollar General Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Kevin Harvick is also lurking for a chance at a runner-up spot who trails Kenseth by six points in the standings. Look for Harvick’s No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Budweiser Chevrolet to make some noise in the final race of the season on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. ET.
These scenarios are good no matter where any other driver is situated when the checkered flag falls. You won’t want to miss any of the NASCAR action this weekend!
