NASCAR

Syracuse pulls off early-season upset NEW YORK, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Wesley Johnson tallied 27 points Friday and No. 24 Syracuse ran off 16 straight points in the second half to shock fourth-ranked North Carolina 87-71. The traditional powerhouses met in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic, played in Madison Square Garden. Ohio State won the third-place game earlier in the evening over California. North Carolina, which suffered its initial loss of the season in five games, surrendered the first eight points of the contest and then came back to take a 39-37 halftime lead. Syracuse, however, went on its big run ... Read Full Story

By Stephen Lars With only one race left for the grand finale of the Sprint Cup in the NASCAR Series, the championship has taken a surprising twist that puts Jimmie Johnson once again at the top of the drivers’ standings. Johnson had a poor performance last week, when he ended in 38th place and cut his advantage in the rankings, giving veteran Mark Martin – in second – more leeway in catching up. In this week’s Check O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, however, Johnson managed to emerge as the leader of the race and re-established his dominance. The competition, which took place on the Phoenix ... Read Full Story

There will be much for Hendrick Motorsports to celebrate on Sunday night. A record-tying ninth NASCAR title, either from Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin. And it'll be Rick Hendrick's 12th series title overall, which will break another record. But the owner could also reach a place he's never been. If all goes right, Hendrick could own the top three cars in the final Chase standings. Entering Sunday's finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Johnson leads with 6,492 points, 108 ahead of Martin. Jeff Gordon, who also drives under the Hendrick Motorsports flag, is third. The only time one ownership team has finished 1-2-3 for the year? ... Read Full Story

by Holly Cain Filed under: Jimmie Johnson , Hendrick Motorsports HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Two days before he attempts to wrap up a historic fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship Jimmie Johnson has announced a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will keep the champ driving the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet through the 2015 season. “It’s the only car I’ve ever driven,” Johnson said with a smile Friday morning. “I’m very proud of that.” Cain on Johnson: Long Road to American Hero | Toast of the Coast Jimmie Johnson Signs Contract Extension With Hendrick originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:25:00 ... Read Full Story

HOMESTEAD, Fla., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Standout NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson signed a five-year contract extension Friday to remain with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2015 season. The deal was made two days before Johnson attempts to claim an unprecedented fourth straight Sprint Cup title at Sunday's season-ending Ford 400 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. He needs to finish 25th or better to beat Mark Martin for the 2009 Sprint Cup championship. team owner Rick Hendrick said. Also Friday, Lowe's, the primary sponsor of Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet, signed a contract extension through 2013. Copyright 2009 by United Press International All Rights Reserved. Read Full Story