“Homestead is the last race of the season and we’ve had fast cars the last several races. We want to finish the season strong and this race gives us another opportunity to get a win before we head into the offseason. All of the guys on the team have been working really hard and we just need to capitalize on it this weekend.”
Kasey Kahne
“I would say the biggest thing about Homestead is just trying to stay disciplined. It seems like over the past couple of years it’s easy to jump that line and make a mistake. Obviously running around that close to the wall, like you do there, produces a lot of lap time and I think if you can do it correctly that makes for a fine line of jumping it and hitting the wall. Once you hit the wall in these cars it’s really hard to recover. It’s definitely going to be a learning process never having run a Cup race there before. I think it will be interesting. The XFINITY Series cars are a little more forgiving when it comes to hitting the wall and being able to continue. The way the Cup cars are and the way the fender curves around the tire, a lot of times you get tire rubbing issues as soon as you hit it. It’s a big risk versus reward but I think it will be fun. I watched the race from the spotters' stand down there last year and I got to see Jeff (Gordon) run his last race, at the time, which was really cool. I’m excited to get back and give it my best shot.”
Chase Elliott
“I couldn’t have dreamed this big. I never even thought I could win one race or one championship, and here we are poised for a shot at a seventh title. Nothing is guaranteed in this sport and you never know when your last win will be. It’s incredible to be in this position with this No. 48 Lowe’s team and to have a shot at it. We have some serious competition, and we know what we need to do. I’ve never had to go to Miami in the position to win it. With the other formats I either knew what I needed to gain points or defend a lead. This Chase format is intense and we are focused on the goal.”
Jimmie Johnson
“We are going to go to Homestead and try our best to win both races between the XFINITY car and the Cup car. If not, we’re going to give them everything we’ve got. I’m really thankful to have built the relationships that I have with Hendrick Motorsports and the friendships with everyone there. Really it’s been a big learning process on how Hendrick Motorsports works – the process on doing things, how they operate as a team. It’s been incredible to be a part of it, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot doing it. It’s been a lot of fun and a huge blessing in my life to do this. I’m trying to make the most of it but at the same time trying to have as much fun as I can. You never know when this is going to end or if you’re ever going to get an opportunity like this again.”
Alex Bowman