Any driver within 156 points is still mathematically eligible for the Nextel Cup Series championship. So, going into the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the following drivers can still win the title:
Jimmie Johnson 6332 points
Matt Kenseth -63
Kevin Harvick -90
Denny Hamlin -90
Dale Earnhardt Jr. -115
Jimmie Johnson is assured of winning the championship if any of the following occur:
Finish of 12th or better and leading no laps
Finish of 13th or better and leading at least one lap
Finish of 15th or better and leading the most laps
If Kenseth wins the Ford 400 and both Johnson and Kenseth tie in the point standings, they would also tie at the first tiebreaker with five wins each. The next tiebreaker is second place finishes. The advantage would go to Johnson, who currently has six runner-up finishes, better than the three runner-up finishes by Kenseth.(NASCAR Statistical Services)(11-13-2006)
AND
#48-Jimmie Johnson wins if any of the following occur:
