Jimmie Johnson won his 7th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship by winning the final race of 2016

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322807Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

Starting from 14th place Car 48 Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s Chevrolet won the 18th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400, his 80th win in 543 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. This is his 5th win & 16th Top 10 finish in 2016. This is his 1st win & 11th Top 10 finish in 16 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. By winning the race Johnson earned his 7th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. 2nd Place Car 42 Kyle Larson Target Chevrolet, started from 24th place posted his 2nd Top 10 finish in 4 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 15th Top10 finish in 2016. 3rd Place Car 4 Kevin Harvick Jimmy John’s Chevrolet, started from pole posted his 14th Top 10 finish in 16 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates with crew members after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. Johnson wins a record-tying 7th NASCAR title. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322813Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, celebrates with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship trophy in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. Johnson wins a record-tying 7th NASCAR title.

4th Place Car 22 Joey Logano Shell Pennzoil Ford, started from 13th place & 2nd place in the Championship & in the Chase. 5th Place Car 1 Jamie McMurray McDonald’s Chevrolet, started from 15th place. 6th Place Car 18 Kyle Busch M&M’s Toyota, started from 9th place & 3rd place in the Championship & in the Chase. 7th Place Car 20 Matt Kenseth DEWALT FLEXVOLT Toyota, started from 7th place followed by 8th place Car 47 AJ Allmendinger Kroger/Clorox Chevrolet, started from 12th place. 9th Place Car 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Express Toyota, started from 4th place. Lastly in the Top 10 was Car 59 Michael McDowell Thrivent Financial Chevrolet, in 10th place, started from 26th place. Chase Elliott (11th) was the highest finishing rookie. Elliott has won the 2016 Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Toyota wins the Manufacturers Championship, sweeping all three NASCAR national series this season.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, leads the field past the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322797Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images

Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet, leads the field past the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

The race had 7 Cautions for 33 Laps: 1st Caution on lap 28 for Car 21 Ryan Blaney Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Crash in Turn 4. 2nd Caution on lap 81 for Car 83 Jeffrey Earnhardt Starter Toyota Spin Turn 4. 3rd Caution on lap 172 for Debris Turn 1. 4th Caution on lap 208 for Car 21 Ryan Blaney Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Crash in Turn 1. 5th Caution on lap 253 for Car 32 Dylan Lupton Can-Am/Corvetteparts.net Ford Crash in Turn 2. 6th Caution on lap 259 for Car 19 Carl Edwards ARRIS Toyota, Car 22 Joey Logano Shell Pennzoil Ford, Car 78 Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Toyota, Car 2 Brad Keselowski Miller Lite Ford, Car 31 Ryan Newman Caterpillar Chevrolet, Car 5 Kasey Kahne Great Clips Chevrolet, Car 95 Ty Dillon Advil Chevrolet, Car 24 Chase Elliott NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, Car 7 Regan Smith Nikko RC/Toy State Chevrolet Big Crash in Turn 1 [Red Flag 31:09]. 7th Caution on lap 264 for Car 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Fastenal Ford Crash in Turn 2.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Credit: 322801Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

The race had 20 Lead Changes among 6 drivers: Lap Leaders: K. Harvick 1-31; C. Edwards (C) 32-34; K. Harvick 35-67; C. Edwards (C) 68-70; K. Harvick 71-85; J. Logano (C) 86-91; C. Edwards (C) 92-117; K. Larson 118-121; C. Edwards (C) 122-125; K. Larson 126-135; C. Edwards (C) 136-143; K. Larson 144-154; C. Edwards (C) 155; K. Larson 156-172; C. Edwards (C) 173; K. Larson 174-208; C. Edwards (C) 209; K. Larson 210-253; K. Busch (C) 254; K. Larson 255-265; J. Johnson (C) 266-268. Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): K. Larson 7 times for 132 laps; K. Harvick 3 times for 79 laps; C. Edwards (C) 8 times for 47 laps; J. Logano (C) 1 time for 6 laps; J. Johnson (C) 1 time for 3 laps; K. Busch (C) 1 time for 1 lap.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Credit: 322802Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

Top 16 in Points: J. Johnson (C) – 5,040; J. Logano (C) – 5,037; K. Busch (C) – 5,035; C. Edwards (C) – 5,007; M. Kenseth – 2,330; D. Hamlin – 2,320; K. Busch – 2,296; K. Harvick – 2,289; K. Larson – 2,288; C. Elliott # – 2,285; M. Truex Jr. – 2,271; B. Keselowski – 2,267; J. McMurray – 2,231; A. Dillon – 2,223; T. Stewart – 2,211; C. Buescher # – 2,169.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, lead the field on a restart during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322803Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images

Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, lead the field on a restart during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida

Jimmie Johnson beat Kyle Larson to the checkered flag by 0.466 Seconds to win the Chase from the overtime green, white, checker. After the race Crew chief Chad Knaus said on the radio, “You’re a good man, you’re a great champion, and now you’re a seven-time champion.”

Johnson said “Oh, my gosh, there is no, no way on earth just beyond words. Just didn’t think the race was unfolding for us like we needed to be the champs, but we just kept our heads in the game. Chad called a great strategy, made some great adjustments for the short runs. Luck came our way and we were able to win the race and win the championship. So grateful for the opportunity, and so thankful and blessed. I am at a loss for words.”

Car 19 Carl Edwards ARRIS Toyota Chase contender ended his chances when he was involved in the 6th Caution on lap 259 Big Crash. Car 78 Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Toyota burst into flames on the same caution, he was able to get out of the car safely.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Credit: 322808Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida

Jimmie Johnson won the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship for his 7th Championship

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, poses for a portrait after winning the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322834Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/NASCAR via Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, poses for a portrait after winning the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: (L-R) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase drivers Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, pose with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship trophy prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

(L-R) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase drivers Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, pose with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship trophy prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

22nd PlaceCar 14 Tony Stewart Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet completed his last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, greets fans as he is introduced prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Credit: 322796Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, greets fans as he is introduced prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: A banner thanking Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, is displayed during pre-race ceremonies for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322799Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images

A banner thanking Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, is displayed during pre-race ceremonies for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, drives during pace-laps prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Credit: 322804Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, drives during pace-laps prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2016 in Homestead, Florida.

2016-nov-18-318890

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Number 36
Unofficial Race Results for the 18Th Annual Ford Ecoboost 400 – Sunday, November 20, 2016
Homestead-Miami Speedway – Homestead, FL – 1.5 Mile Paved
Total Race Length – 268 Laps – 402 Miles

2016-nov-20-318886

Finish Start Car Driver Team Laps Status
1. 14. Car 48 Jimmie Johnson (C) Lowe’s Chevrolet 268 Running
2. 24. Car 42 Kyle Larson Target Chevrolet 268 Running
3. 1. Car 4 Kevin Harvick Jimmy John’s Chevrolet 268 Running
4. 13. Car 22 Joey Logano (C) Shell Pennzoil Ford 268 Running
5. 15. Car 1 Jamie McMurray McDonald’s Chevrolet 268 Running
6. 9. Car 18 Kyle Busch (C) M&M’s Toyota 268 Running
7. 7. Car 20 Matt Kenseth DEWALT FLEXVOLT Toyota 268 Running
8. 12. Car 47 AJ Allmendinger Kroger/Clorox Chevrolet 268 Running
9. 4. Car 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Express Toyota 268 Running
10. 26. Car 59 Michael McDowell Thrivent Financial Chevrolet 268 Running
11. 5. Car 24 Chase Elliott # NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet 268 Running
12. 17. Car 3 Austin Dillon DOW Corning Chevrolet 268 Running
13. 16. Car 41 Kurt Busch Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevrolet 268 Running
14. 28. Car 27 Paul Menard Richmond/Menards Chevrolet 268 Running
15. 22. Car 44 Brian Scott # Safeway Ford 268 Running
16. 19. Car 88 Alex Bowman(i) Axalta Chevrolet 268 Running
17. 21. Car 16 Greg Biffle Roush Performance Ford 267 Running
18. 23. Car 13 Casey Mears GEICO Chevrolet 267 Running
19. 30. Car 10 Danica Patrick TaxACT Chevrolet 266 Running
20. 20. Car 6 Trevor Bayne AdvoCare Ford 266 Running
21. 32. Car 38 Landon Cassill Florida Lottery Ford 266 Running
22. 11. Car 14 Tony Stewart Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet 266 Running
23. 33. Car 15 Clint Bowyer 5-hour Energy Chevrolet 266 Running
24. 27. Car 34 Chris Buescher # Love’s Travel Stops Ford 266 Running
25. 3. Car 31 Ryan Newman Caterpillar Chevrolet 264 Accident
26. 8. Car 21 * Ryan Blaney # Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford 264 Running
27. 31. Car 49 * Matt DiBenedetto(i) NASCAR Heat Evolution Toyota 264 Running
28. 40. Car 46 Michael Annett Pilot Flying J Chevrolet 264 Running
29. 36. Car 23 David Ragan Dr Pepper Toyota 264 Running
30. 18. Car 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Fastenal Ford 262 Accident
31. 38. Car 83 Jeffrey Earnhardt # Starter Toyota 261 Running
32. 37. Car 55 * Reed Sorenson RoyalTeak.com/Backyard Company Toyota 259 Running
33. 34. Car 95 Ty Dillon(i) Advil Chevrolet 258 Accident
34. 10. Car 19 Carl Edwards (C) ARRIS Toyota 257 Accident
35. 2. Car 2 Brad Keselowski Miller Lite Ford 257 Accident
36. 6. Car 78 Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Toyota 257 Accident
37. 29. Car 5 Kasey Kahne Great Clips Chevrolet 257 Accident
38. 35. Car 7 * Regan Smith Nikko RC/Toy State Chevrolet 255 Accident
39. 39. Car 32 Dylan Lupton(i) Can-Am/Corvetteparts.net Ford 250 Running
40. 25. Car 43 Aric Almirola Smithfield Ford 213 Running

Race Comments: Prior to the start of the race, the following car dropped to the rear of the field for the reason indicated: No. 48 (unapproved body modification). Failed to Qualify: (1) 30 Gray Gaulding. Time of Race: 3 Hrs, 07 Mins, 10 Secs. Average Speed: 128.869 MPH. Margin of Victory: 0.466 Seconds.

American Ethanol Green Flag Restart Award: Kyle Busch, #18. Duralast Brakes “Brake in the Race”: Kevin Harvick, #4. Ingersoll Rand Power Move: Jamie McMurray, #1 13 positions. Mahle Clevite Engine Builder of the Race : Hendrick Engines, #42. Mobil 1 Driver of the Race: Kyle Larson, #42. Moog Chassis Parts Problem Solver of the Race: Kyle Larson, #42 0.400 secs. Sherwin-Williams Fastest Lap: Kyle Larson, #42. Sunoco Rookie of the Race: Chase Elliott, #24.

(i) Ineligible for driver points in this series

Next Race: Feb. 18, 2017 – Daytona International Speedway

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Graphics & Photos Courtesy of NASCAR

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