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Date November 16, 2008 (2008-11-16) Course Permanent racing facility1.5 mi (2.4 km) Distance 267 laps, 400.5 mi (644.542 km) Weather Temperatures reaching up to 77.9 °F (25.5 °C); wind speeds up to 17.1 miles per hour (27.5 km/h) Average speed 129.472 miles per hour (208.365 km/h) |
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.
Contents
The race also served as the final event of Ford Championship Weekend, which also includes the Craftsman Truck Series Ford 200 and Nationwide Series Ford 300 races on Friday and Saturday of that weekend, also serving as the season finales for those series as well.
Pre-Race News
- Finish 36th without leading a lap;
- Finish 37th and lead at least one lap;
- Finish 39th and lead the most laps in the race;
Qualifying
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.
Failed to Qualify: Sam Hornish, Jr. (#77), Ken Schrader (#96), Max Papis (#13)