CONCORD, N.C. - The 2015 NASCAR Cup Series season has come down to the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and when the checkered flag waves, a new champion will be crowned.
As Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon steps into his No. 24 Chevrolet for the last time, he will be racing in hopes of winning his fifth championship.
Before the drivers start their engines for the last time this season and the final 400 miles are raced, let’s take a look back at three very memorable Hendrick Motorsports moments from the 1.5-mile Florida track.
Nov. 18, 2007 – It was the last race of the 2007 season and Jimmie Johnson was looking to lock in his second consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Johnson started the weekend by qualifying his No. 48 Chevrolet on the pole. When the race began he led the field to the green and 267 laps later the reigning champion crossed the finish line seventh. And to top off his 10-win season, Johnson took home his second championship trophy.
Nov. 22, 2009 – Mark Martin had won five races in his first season racing for Hendrick Motorsports and he was one of two drivers racing for the championship at Homestead. When the engines started Martin rolled off the grid fourth. And after a tough battle, he eventually finished the race 12th. For the fifth time in his career, Martin finished second in the points, this time behind teammate Johnson, who took home his fourth consecutive championship.
Nov. 16, 2014 – One year ago, Jeff Gordon traveled to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final race of the 2014 season. The No. 24 Chevrolet SS posted the top qualifying speed and Gordon found himself sitting on the pole for the start of the race. When the green flag dropped, Gordon led a race-high of 161 laps and crossed the finish line 10th. He ended the 2014 season with four wins, three poles and sixth in the points standings. And this weekend Gordon will return to the 1.5-mile track for the final time looking to take home his final championship.
