Johnson signs extension with Hendrick
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) Jimmie Johnson, on the verge of a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship, signed a contract extension Friday to drive for Hendrick Motorsports through the 2015 season. The announcement comes just two days before Johnson is likely to wrap up the Sprint Cup championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson goes into Sunday's finale with a 108-point lead over Hendrick teammate Mark Martin and needs only to finish 25th or better to win the title. "Jimmie is charting new territory in our sport, and that's due to a combination of natural talent and unsurpassed work ethic," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "How he's committed himself is just incredible, and it shows in everything that he does - not just on the racetrack. Read More...

Rusty Wallace Racing switching to Toyota
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) Rusty Wallace Racing is moving its Nationwide Series team from Chevrolet to Toyota next season. Wallace, who is a NASCAR analyst for ESPN, also will represent the Toyota brand on a national basis. (MORE)

Johnson takes pole at Homestead
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) Jimmie Johnson's run for his fourth straight Cup title starts from the pole. Johnson turned a lap of 173.919 mph on Friday to top qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a big boost for the Hendrick Motorsports star as he tries to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships. (MORE)

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