Jimmie Johnson earned the new nickname "Seven-Time" after winning the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which also earned him the 2016 Sprint Cup Series championship -- the seventh of his career. This came after a rough start to the day when Johnson was forced to start from the rear after unapproved adjustments to his car before the race.
Johnson's seventh championship ties him with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most all time.
"You're a good man, you're a great champion, and now you're a seven-time champion," crew chief Chad Knaus radioed to Johnson, who grabbed the lead from Kyle Larson through Turns 1 and 2 during the first and only attempt at a two-lap overtime.
Although his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet was not the fastest out of the Championship 4 contenders throughout much of the race, a late-race restart put him back in contention. He led for only the final three circuits -- earning him his first win at the 1.5-mile track and career win No. 80.
Johnson pulled away to win by .466 seconds ahead of Kyle Larson. Polesitter Kevin Harvick ran third, followed by Championship 4 contender Joey Logano, who finished second in the final standings on the strength of his fourth-place run.
"Oh, my gosh, there is no, no way on earth," said Johnson, who picked up his first victory at Homestead, his fifth of the season and the 80th of his career. "Just beyond words. Just didn't think the race was unfolding for us like we needed to be the champs, but we just kept our heads in the game. Chad called a great strategy, made some great adjustments for the short runs.
"Luck came our way and we were able to win the race and win the championship. So grateful for the opportunity, and so thankful and blessed. I am at a loss for words."
Jamie McMurray rounded out the top five, finishing behind Logano. Defending series champ Kyle Busch ended the day sixth and third on the Chase Grid.
Title hopes for the fourth title-contending driver Carl Edwards were destroyed following a Lap 257 restart that brought out the "Big One" -- and red flag.
Edwards, who seemed likely for the championship after leading 47 laps, had to exit the race with 10 laps to go. He finished 34th and 11 laps down.
In the final full-time race of his decorated Sprint Cup Series career, Tony Stewart finished 22nd.
Johnson Clinches Seventh NASCAR Championship at Homestead

Jimmie Johnson earned the new nickname "Seven-Time" after winning the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which also earned him the 2016 Sprint Cup Series championship -- the seventh of his career. This came after a rough start to the day when Johnson was forced to start from the rear after unapproved adjustments to his car before the race.
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