Jimmie Johnson - 2007 NEXTEL Cup Champion

Matt Kenseth won the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He was followed by Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards to round out the top 5. (Unofficial Results)

The race was fairly uneventful, with the race and the points race, but with an early wreck by Dale Earnhardt Jr. taking him out of contention for getting a win in his last ride in the Budweiser car, and Matt Kenseth's crew chief, Robbie Reiser, winning the last race as th 17 car crew chief were pretty interesting developments.

But Jimmie Johnson paced Jeff Gordon, with Chad Knaus saying they kept the pit strategy around the same laps that the 24 car pitted kept them close in position, keeping the 24 car in sight all night long.

With that being said, Jeff Gordon came in 4th, but Jimmie Johnson finished 7th, retaining his points lead in the championship and winning the 2007 NEXTEL Cup Championship. A repeat Champion from last year. (Unofficial Standings)

The rookie of the year contenders, David Ragan and Juan Pablo Montoya weren't that far apart either... Ragan finished 10th, and Montoya finished 15th. I'm guessing that Montoya will get the ROY honors, but I'm waiting for that to be announced. (The standings are at this link: nascar) (Update: Montoya is Raybestos Rookie of the Year, as announced at SceneDaily)

As far the much coveted 35th position, Kyle Petty did not have to resort to swapping drivers late in the season with Bobby Labonte as Kyle finished 34th today and kept the 35th spot for next years first few races.

CONGRATULATIONS to JIMMY JOHNSON on his 2nd (consecutive) championship. Well done to everyone on his team, and the Hendrick shop.