Column By: JESSY MILLER / RPW – HOMESTEAD, FL – And just like that another NASCAR season has come and gone! The champions for the Truck, Xfinity and Cup Series have been crowned.
Easily the most controversial win of the weekend was Matt Crafton’s NGOTS Series title. He finished the race in 2nd place and did not win a single race this season. Such is the way with elimination races.
In spite of one of our most trying seasons, this team never gave up. We worked harder than ever before and did what it took to be there when it mattered most. Beyond proud, beyond thankful. #3 #andtheycalledustheunderdogs
@menardshomeimproveme @thorsport_racing @fordperformance pic.twitter.com/qXjWrFEMYc— Matt Crafton (@Matt_Crafton) November 16, 2019
Tyler Reddick won the Xfinity Series title, with his wins coming at Talladega, Michigan, Bristol, Las Vegas, and Homestead. This was Reddick’s second championship, in fact his previous championship was last season. Reddick will be moving up to the Cup series next season and will drive the No. 8 for Richard Childress Racing.
Introducing two-time #XfinitySeries Champion, @TylerReddick! pic.twitter.com/DJZJoc6nqz
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) November 16, 2019
The odds of a Joe Gibbs Racing driver winning the title were really high Sunday night. With three of the four drivers being a part of the JGR fold, there was a seventy-five percent chance of a Gibbs care ending up in Victory Lane. In the end it was Kyle Busch won the Cup Series finale, his other wins coming in Phoenix, Fontana (atlanta), Bristol, and (of course) Homestead. This is Kyle Busch’s second Cup series title, his first was in 2015.
Brothers. @KyleBusch | @KurtBusch pic.twitter.com/RAqIeQX4sv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 17, 2019
Another announcement was made this week on Wednesday November 20th that Jimmie Johnson would be retiring after the NASCAR 2020 season. The seven time champion announced his upcoming retirement by releasing this tear jerking video.
#Chasing8 one final time pic.twitter.com/ZoldabKy9M
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 20, 2019
The well wishes and ‘we’ll miss you’s poured in from drivers and fans alike.
Nobody I enjoy battling with more on the race track than 7 time. The greatest driver of my generation. Look forward to 38 more races with you! https://t.co/SmpAQz26Cz
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) November 20, 2019
Caught me right in the feels. Been a pleasure Champ. Looking forward to it one last time. https://t.co/s0TJMLzmh9
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 20, 2019
NASCAR released a statement on Johnson’s retirement as well:
NASCAR statement from Jim France on retirement of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion @JimmieJohnson. pic.twitter.com/VbMnJQ9DAH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2019
There was a lot of things to report on as the season came to a close and there will continue to be more things released as the off season progresses. Next season will be full of even more racing action with the release of the Gen 7 Cup car.
