One race will decide the 2013 Sprint Cup Champion. 35 races down, one to go. The season’s twists and turns have led to this point. Championship Weekend is here. Anything can happen in one race and the title hunt surely isn’t over yet. Jimmie Johnson has a commanding lead, but his history at Homestead-Miami doesn’t allow him to breathe easily. One last show is ready to take place on Sunday as the season draws to a close.
The Ford EcoBoost 400 will go green on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 3:16 PM ET. Race day weather looks sunny with a high of 84 F and only a 10% chance of rain. 267 laps and 400.5 miles will decide the championship. Fans can watch the race on ESPN or listen to it on MRN.
In last year’s title race, it was a hard-fought battle between Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson. After wrecking in the previous race at Phoenix, Johnson needed to make up lots of ground. His team tried out a different pit strategy that looked like it was a winner. Just as there was praise his strategy, a pit penalty deeply affected his title hopes. Laps later, problems harmful to Johnson’s championship run struck when the No.48 car went behind the wall with an engine issue. That took him out of the running and allowed Brad Keselowski to prevail as champion. Lots went down in this race one year ago and it’s possible fans can expect more of the same on Sunday.
For Jimmie Johnson, this weekend is all about maintaining. If he can keep his top spot in the points, he gets the crown. All he needs on Sunday is to finish higher than 23rd and Johnson is in complete control of being able to do so. If a typical Miami performance arrives for Johnson, then Kenseth and Harvick may get their names back in the mix. All Kenseth and Harvick can do is dominate and then hope the No.48 team has a problem. It is highly unlikely that Johnson will suffer an issue with so much on the line, but a season of shocking moments could offer more drama on Sunday.
A season surrounded by excitement will come to a close this weekend. It has been a year of shocking storylines, unexpected moments, and pure craziness. All of that has made 2013 a year no one will soon forget. If nothing changes on Sunday, Johnson will claim his sixth title. He may finally be rewarded for his dominant season with all racer’s ultimate prize – a Sprint Cup Series Championship.
