Weekend That Was: The end comes at Homestead

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- On a Sunday when the sun beat down but provided just the right amount of Florida November warmth, and the sky beckoned the brightest of its blues, driver Jeff Gordon emerged from his hauler precisely at 3:15 p.m. and strode confidently toward pit road.

The command to start the engine in his No. 24 Chevrolet for the season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway was still roughly 45 minutes away.

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Gordon was surrounded by his usual handlers and a phalanx of Hendrick Motorsports supporters, plus a few seemingly out-of-place hangers-on -- including one in particular that stood out conspicuously. As Gordon made the final turn toward pit road before disappearing into a sea of well-wishers, race officials and awestruck fans, the misfit, a middle-aged woman, tugged at the left sleeve of his Dupont Chevrolet firesuit and beckoned for an autograph.

She had some nerve. She was wearing a Jimmie Johnson T-shirt, adorned with the No. 48 Lowe's car logo on her back in large and very noticeable numbers.

It was the first of many sights and sounds that jumped out Sunday as the grueling 36-race season came to an end with Johnson edging Gordon for his second consecutive Chase for the Nextel Cup championship.

Wandering pit road and the garage area for the nearly four hours that comprised pre-race, the race itself and post-race offered insight on a day when, as Matt Kenseth dominated to win the race in his No. 17 Ford and nearly all others focused on Jimme and Jeff, there was a whole lot more going on than met most eyes.

Here then, are some general observations from the afternoon and evening:

Lap 1

Sitting on the pole has its advantages. Johnson leads the first lap to gain five valuable bonus points, meaning he now has to finish only 19 spots in front of Gordon instead of 18. In other words, even if Gordon wins the race, all Johnson has to do is finish 19th or better.

Lap 35

With Johnson running fifth and Gordon sixth, Gordon comes on the radio and tells crew chief Steve Letarte, "I'm losing grip."

He was talking about his car on the racetrack, but it is clear he already is also losing grip on any slim chance he may have had to catch Johnson on this final day of the 2007 Chase.

Lap 46

Gordon passes Johnson and moves into sixth place, with Johnson dropping to seventh. There is still a long way to go. (Continued)