NASCAR at Homestead: Ford Championship Weekend

It's the final week of the NASCAR season. One weekend, twelve drivers, three champions. Let's settle stuff!

Cup entries: http://www.jayski.com/news/stats/2016/story/_/page/36-Homestead-2016-Entry-List
NXS entries: http://www.jayski.com/news/nxs/2016/story/_/page/33-Homestead-NXS-2016-Entry-List
CWS entries: http://www.jayski.com/news/campingworld/2016/story/_/page/2016cts23homestead-entry

Kyle Larson is doing triple-duty this weekend as he's running all three races. Xfinity has its usual share of Cup interlopers, though none of the Chase drivers are in it (because they're not eligible).

This is also the final "Sprint Cup" race, as the sponsorship deal expires after this weekend.

And now...championship predictions!

Cup: As much as I'd love to see either Jimmie or Joey win it (because the salt from certain parts of the fanbase if either wins will be glorious), I think that as long as Kyle Busch is around he's a threat. So as much as it pains me, he's my choice.

Xfinity: Justin Allgaier. Because screw JGR and the words "Elliott Sadler" and "champion" don't belong in the same sentence.

Camping World: I'm going with Christopher Bell here, though to be honest I can see Matt Crafton or Johnny Sauter stealing it. Although Timothy Peters winning it would be pretty cool too. Eh, I'm sticking with Bell.

And it's Tony Stewart and Brian Scott's last races respectively. Forgot about that.

Cup... I'm going to say that Chad Knaus* and the 48 will dominate most of the race, but late race yellows will mean that short run setups will decide the champion -- meaning it will be between the 18 and the 22 in the end.

The words "Elliott Sadler" and "Champion" or the phrase "Elliott Sadler's championship bid" really seem like they belong 12-18 years in the past. He's the last guy to give Robert Yates a serious bid at the championship, believe it or not. As much as it'd be neat to see Justin Allgaier win the title, it seems like it wouldn't springboard him back to Cup...

I'm going to have to pick Suarez for the NXS title. It'd be good for the sport to have a Mexican champion, and hilarious especially given president-elect Donald Trump's comments about Mexico in the past.

Trucks... uhh, Sauter is the favorite here.

* - Chad Knaus is from Rockford, Illinois, and I feel the need to emphasize the contributions of Illinois people to NASCAR.

CUP - Hard to pick anyone but Jimmie for the title since he's performed when he's needed to, but I could see a Carl Edwards championship too.

NXS - I think Suarez is going to be the one to beat. I could see Sadler taking home the title too, but the JGR cars are going to be the ones to beat, and I think Suarez has the edge over Jones.

TRUCKS - As much as it pains me to say it, Sauter is easily the favourite. I'd like to see Peters steal it, but it's going to be difficult to beat Sauter in his current form.

Who I'm rooting for:
Cup - Johnson. I'd love to see him with his seventh championship and he's really the only driver I like out of the four (though I don't mind Edwards as much, either).
NXS - Allgaier. I've like Allgaier for a while, and while I think Sadler or Suarez deserve it more, I'm still rooting for the 7 all the way.
Trucks - Peters. I really want to see Mr. I'll be relevant once a year win a championship. I think that would be hilarious.

Who I Want:

Johnson - Cause it seems about that time for the era defining thing. Dude seems to be back on his chase form and hilariously enough in a format designed to destroy his rise.

Suarez - Where Jones is the fast JGR car, Suarez is consistent and has very good race craft. Also a absolute outsider winning the title would be a very good story. For a personal note, i like him as a driver

Bell - This is more a personal choice because he's the young kid going against 3 vets. If he has anything going for him is i'd expect KBM to give him Byron's stuff and Bell could reap the benefits.


Who we'll get:

Johnson, Sadler, Sauter - For the over 40 crowd

Logano, Sadler, Sauter - For personal salt

Who I want to see (yeah, steal Alta idea why not he stole my birthday, lol):

Edwards: I would also not have a problem with Joey or Kyle though I'd prefer the 1st timer.

JGR: Honesty it's a toss up between Daniel and Erik. I'd like to see Erik because MICHIGAN but I'm ok with either or Sadler or Justin would be cool too.

Sauter: The only driver other than Byron who is hot right.

Who I think is going to win:

Johnson: it pains me to type that.

Jones

Sauter

Cup - God i hope Its Carl. hes Deserved it for so Long. #AnybodybutJimmie
Xfinity - Sadler has been the most consistent but i dont want him to win. Hoping for a Suarez Upset.
Trucks - Dont care as long as it isnt Crafton. Would be cool to see Bell Get it

I Understand that Jimmie Making History is  Big but the chase gave him half his titles.

Also Last Race for Sprint as Title Sponsor.

Cup - Anybody but Joey Logono, I would rather have Kyle Busch 25 years in a row than one championship for Joey. Personally want Johnson to win for the sake of getting the 7 championship thing over with.

Xfinity - A Sadler championship would be cool, but I think it will be Jones or Suarez, just because Joe Gibbs cars are overpowered. Xfinity is a series I could care less about.

Trucks - I have no clue about the truck championship, don't really follow it(Though this year I never really followed NASCAR much at all)

Logano
Allgaier
Bell

Don't much care about who wins the Xfinity or Trucks title. I hope Edwards wins the Cup title though, because that means I predicted it at the start of this season and therefore I'll have bragging rights.

Cup: Really could be any one of the four drivers. I never foresaw Carl Edwards being a NASCAR champion, but I hope he gets it. Who I think will win, however, is Joey Logano. The Penske team is always scary when competing against them and I feel like this could be his year.

Xfinity: Really couldn't care less about any of them. Allgaier and Sadler are going to obviously be back where they are, Jones is moving to Cup and Suarez is likely to stay in Xfinity maybe for another year in the 19. It's a tough call as Jones has had many awesome drives throughout the year, but I feel the better overall driver this season and deserving champion is Elliott Sadler, even if I do not necessarily like him much.

Trucks: Also really don't care about these four. Byron should be in this fight and, without question, be the champion for 2016. I've grown to dislike Sauter for how he's driven all season, Crafton is like Sadler to me nowadays (just is there and will stay there, nothing to really get behind), Christopher Bell is a dirt specialist rookie and Timothy Peters has also lost my interest. I guess Timothy Peters winning wouldn't be so bad considering how far he's dragged that team in about 6 years.

What I want...

Cup: Jimmie Johnson
Xfinity: Daniel Suarez
Trucks: Christopher Bell (wouldn't mind Timothy Peters either)

What we'll probably get...

Cup: Gibbswinslol (Kyle Busch)
Xfinity: Gibbswinslol (Erik Jones)
Trucks: Sauter (since Gibbs doesn't field a truck)

Regardless, we will be motorsports entertained this weekend. Big time history on the line, with Jimmie going for #7 to match Dale Earnhardt, Suarez looking to be the first Mexican champion, and Bell with an opportunity to overcome the has-beens in the Trucks and score a championship for the youth of the sport.

Who I'd like to see as champion:

Jimmie Johnson, the man is arguably the best driver in NASCAR history, given the era he drove is far more competitive than what Petty, Pearson, Elliott and Earnhardt ever had, the man needs this title to cement his place as The Man. Another guy I'd like to see winning is Carl Edwards I think he has been too close to winning too many times now and this is his chance to finally get the title that was too close, but never in his hands.

Elliott Sadler, at this point I want him to be champion just so he can have something. The man has been screwed out of the Nationwide title too many times now (that Phoenix crash is still fresh in my mind to this day and I'm still SALTY about it) I just want him to win because this might be his last opportunity at achieving something.

Matt Crafton I WANT HIM TO WIN REEEEEEEEEEE

Toyota literally did the "Blew a 3-1 lead" meme. I can't. I won't.

Suarez is very impressive...that was an amazing restart!

This Xfinity race is lit. Less than 10 to go...get to a TV already!

>Getting fucked over by Cole Whitt.

gg

Cole Whitt should be ashamed... but saying that I am super happy for Daniel Suarez!!!

2017 Sprint Unlimted - 22 drivers.

#1 Jamie McMurray - 2016 Chase.
#2 Brad Keselowski - Pocono Spring pole. 2016 Chase.
#3 Austin Dillon - 2 poles (Auto Club, Texas Fall). 2014 Daytona 500 Pole. 2016 Chase
#4 Kevin Harvick - 2 poles (Charlotte Fall, Homestead). 3 Unlimted wins (2009, 2010, and 2013). 2016 Chase
#10 Danica Patrick - 2013 Daytona 500 Pole.
#11 Denny Hamlin - Richmond Fall pole. 3 Unlimted wins (2006, 2014, and 2016). 2016 Chase.
#14 Tony Stewart - 3 Unlimted wins (2001, 2002, and 2007). 2016 Chase.
#16 Greg Biffle - 2004 Daytona 500 pole.
#18 Kyle Busch - 2 poles (Pheonix Spring, Indianapolis). 2012 winner. 2016 Chase.
#19 Carl Edwards - 6 poles (Texas Spring, Bristol Spring, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Bristol Fall, New Hampshire Fall). 2016 Chase.
#20 Matt Kenseth - Kansas Fall pole. 2015 race winner. 2016 Chase.
#22 Joey Logano - 3 poles (Martinsville Spring, Michigan Spring, Michigan Fall). 2016 Chase.
#24 Chase Elliott - 2 poles (2016 Daytona 500, 2016 Talladega Spring). Daytona Spring Pole. 2016 Chase.
#32 Bobby Labonte - 2 Daytona 500 Poles (1998, 2002)
#34 Chris Buescher - 2016 Chase.
#38 David Gilliland - 2007 Daytona 500 Pole.
#41 Kurt Busch - 2 poles (Atlanta, Las Vegas). 2011 Unlimted win. 2016 Chase.
#42 Kyle Larson - 2016 Chase.
#48 Jimmie Johnson - Hew Hampshire Spring pole. 2005 Unlimted win. 2016 Chase.
#78 Martin Truex Jr. - 5 poles (Kansas Spring, Charlotte Spring, Pocono Fall, Talladega Fall, Martinsville Fall). 2009 Daytona 500 Pole. 2016 Chase.
#88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 2 Unlimted wins (2003 and 2008).
#?? Alex Bowman - Phoenix Fall pole.

HELL YEAH DANIEL SUAREZ!!!

Ben Atkins wrote:CUP - Hard to pick anyone but Jimmie for the title since he's performed when he's needed to, but I could see a Carl Edwards championship too.

NXS - I think Suarez is going to be the one to beat. I could see Sadler taking home the title too, but the JGR cars are going to be the ones to beat, and I think Suarez has the edge over Jones.

TRUCKS - As much as it pains me to say it, Sauter is easily the favourite. I'd like to see Peters steal it, but it's going to be difficult to beat Sauter in his current form.

That's 2/3 so far, Ben. And Cooper too. You guys feeling lucky about tomorrow?

kensethfan wrote:

Ben Atkins wrote:CUP - Hard to pick anyone but Jimmie for the title since he's performed when he's needed to, but I could see a Carl Edwards championship too.

NXS - I think Suarez is going to be the one to beat. I could see Sadler taking home the title too, but the JGR cars are going to be the ones to beat, and I think Suarez has the edge over Jones.

TRUCKS - As much as it pains me to say it, Sauter is easily the favourite. I'd like to see Peters steal it, but it's going to be difficult to beat Sauter in his current form.

That's 2/3 so far, Ben. And Cooper too. You guys feeling lucky about tomorrow?

I'd be very happy if Jimmie took the title

So happy for Suarez! He's improved so much over the past two years and is now truly one of the future superstars.

As for the Cole Whitt thing: I'm waiting for the crazy conspiracies about Whitt trying to help Suarez win the title. Honestly I don't blame Cole Whitt. From my (admittedly limited) experience, if you are a slower driver you are supposed to hold your line and not interfere with the faster drivers. The TriStar crew on the other hand... I'm bewildered. I have absolutely no clue what the heck they were thinking, because if he went from 1st to what was it, 18th in two laps, he had zero chance of pulling off that win.

It's a shame because it takes the spotlight away from Suarez, who ran a great race, and won this title 100% on talent even if Whitt wasn't there, I think Suarez would've won it anyway.

In a time where i've juggled the idea of giving up on Nascar, Suarez has been one the bright spots in 2016 for me. Dude ran a helluva race and that was probably the best race i've seen out of him where it mattered the most (tbf i only saw the last 10 of that one Dover race)

Whitt thing at the end was apparently because the team was out of tires, which at least makes things a bit more understandable. I also think it was that team trying turned a lowers 20s run into a top 15. Like to give you an idea of how bad that team is, you could've told me Cale Conley still drove that thing and i would've bought it, first time i've noticed them all year.

Also good for the Xfinity Series to arguably have their best oval race of the year in the big time race.

Joey Logano needs a late yellow to win the title. I think Edwards has the car to beat.

kensethfan wrote:Joey Logano needs a late yellow to win the title. I think Edwards has the car to beat.

And he got it.

Kyle just won.

Way to go Logano you good for nothing piece of shit.

I hope 2010 Carl Edwards comes back and beats the SHIT out of Joey Logano.

Good fucking job Logano. Just ruined the championship battle.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

FUCK YOU WORLD!

Really Edwards? Really? Grow some damn balls...

kensethfan wrote:Good fucking job Logano. Just ruined the championship battle.

What did Logano do wrong?!? He was making a move, and Edwards fucked up the block. Simple as that.

PYLrulz wrote:

kensethfan wrote:Good fucking job Logano. Just ruined the championship battle.

What did Logano do wrong?!?  He was making a move, and Edwards fucked up the block.  Simple as that.

I'm actually listening on the radio, not actually watching. Edwards blamed himself for the wreck, so nevermind. My reaction was spur of the moment.

Ben Atkins wrote:I hope 2010 Carl Edwards comes back and beats the SHIT out of Joey Logano.

I retract this statement.

Wasn't Logano's fault. Edwards threw a block trying to go for it all, then shown how much he's matured since his spats with Kes a few years back by shaking hands with the 22 crew.

Jimmie Johnson, PLEASE, PLEASE win this thing.

I dunno Ben, I kind of want to see the Salt Mound that forms after Kyle wins his second Championship!

PYLrulz wrote:

kensethfan wrote:Good fucking job Logano. Just ruined the championship battle.

What did Logano do wrong?!?  He was making a move, and Edwards fucked up the block.  Simple as that.

Joey would have had a better shot at a Championship had he not forced the issue. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Huh, now Edwards is saying he wasn't apologizing...

Mother of Invention wrote:

PYLrulz wrote:

kensethfan wrote:Good fucking job Logano. Just ruined the championship battle.

What did Logano do wrong?!?  He was making a move, and Edwards fucked up the block.  Simple as that.

Joey would have had a better shot at a Championship had he not forced the issue. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

A move like that on lap 57, you got a point.

On lap 257, with a car in front of you that has been good?!?  You take any opening you can get.  Edwards screwed up and got the block in too late.  There's a reason many racing series take a dim view to blocking (open wheelers especially, but that's another subject for another time).  Because blocking done wrong is going to wreck a bunch of race cars.

PYLrulz wrote:

Mother of Invention wrote:

PYLrulz wrote:

kensethfan wrote:Good fucking job Logano. Just ruined the championship battle.

What did Logano do wrong?!?  He was making a move, and Edwards fucked up the block.  Simple as that.

Joey would have had a better shot at a Championship had he not forced the issue. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

A move like that on lap 57, you got a point.

On lap 257, with a car in front of you that has been good?!?  You take any opening you can get.  Edwards screwed up and got the block in too late.  There's a reason many racing series take a dim view to blocking (open wheelers especially, but that's another subject for another time).  Because blocking done wrong is going to wreck a bunch of race cars.

Scott's right. Again, my initial reaction was spur of the moment.

Carl said it himself, he thought he gave Joey more room. He ran Joey as far down the racetrack as both of them could go when Joey had a nose under him the entire time, and Joey can't be expected to lift with ten to go. Carl took responsibility for it and apologized, so just let it be.

Congratulations Jimmie Johnson! #Se7en

Son of a bitch! Instead of salty NASCAR fans whining about Joey winning a championship, we get salty NASCAR fans whining about Jimmie winning a championship!

JIMMIE JOHNSON!!!

Fuck me, he fucking did it.

Well, we all just witnessed racing history. Jimmie Johnson has won his seventh NASCAR title.

I know people are gonna say he doesn't deserve this title, and if this had happened a few years ago I would've said the same, but Jimmie has already proved himself a more than capable champion to sit in the distinct category alongside Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for winning seven Cup Series titles (I don't think he'll win eight though).

Gutted for Edwards, though. I wanted to have bragging rights since I had been predicting he'd do it since the start of the year. But given the circumstance, I can't complain. GW GC #48!

(Also, good call Ben. 3/3. )

NASCAR Facebook fan pages right now!

I'm happy.

*cue Griffin WREEEEEEEE ROBOT WON AGAIN*