The 2008 Ford 400, a 400.5 miles (644.5 km) race, was the concluding event of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season along with the 2008 Chase for the Sprint Cup, and decides the Sprint Cup Champion for the 2008 season, this race was historic for being the race where Jimmie Johnson became the second driver (after Cale Yarborough) to win the Sprint Cup title three years in a row. The 267-lap race on the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) track was held on November 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. ABC covered the race beginning at 3 PM US EST and MRN along with Sirius Satellite Radio had radio coverage starting at that same time.
All Jimmie Johnson had to do to clinch the 2008 Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship is one of the following as he will start the race per the Top 35 Owners Points rule:
Finish 36th without leading a lap;
Finish 37th and lead at least one lap;
Finish 39th and lead the most laps in the race;
In an interview during the pre-race for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 this past week, NASCAR chairman Brian France stated that he isn't certain any of the USA's "Big Three" automakers (General Motors, Chrysler Corporation and Ford Motor Company) would continue their involvement in NASCAR while in these current tough economic times, but should their funding of race teams suffer due to the crisis in the credit markets, stock car racing would remain a viable, healthy sport.
Surprises were abound in the qualifying session, as David Reutimann won his first pole position in his career. Regan Smith wrapped up the Rookie of the Year award as Sam Hornish Jr. failed to make the field. Jimmie Johnson started 30th and Carl Edwards would start at fourth.
Results
1-Carl Edwards
2-Kevin Harvick
3-Jamie Mcmurray
4-Jeff Gordon
5-Clint Bowyer
6-Kasey Kahne
8-Travis Kvapil
9-Tony Stewert
10-Martin Truex Jr
Aftermath
With the 15th-place finish, Jimmie Johnson made history as he became just the second Sprint Cup driver to win three titles in a row. The response from NASCAR fans was phenomenal, as he won many accolades and was celebrated worldwide after his championship victory. Jimmie ended up beating 2nd place Carl Edwards by a total of 69 points.
