He can coast the next 2 weeks but that's not Johnson's style (The Associated Press)

Jimmie Johnson's quest to win a record-tying seventh championship has been burning for nearly three years at Hendrick Motorsports. Oh, how easy it would be for No. 48 team to coast through the next two weeks, to look only at the Nov. 20 season finale and the opportunity they have to reach the top of NASCAR. Johnson, the most celebrated driver of the last 15 years, won his ninth race at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday to lock down a spot in NASCAR's final four.

Police: Man charged after crash hurts 22 NASCAR fan (The Associated Press)

Virginia State Police say they've charged a man with reckless driving after a crash injured more than 22 people in a Martinsville Speedway parking lot after a NASCAR race. Police said in a statement Monday that the unnamed driver of a car that hit pedestrians in the congested handicapped parking lot after Sunday's race was taken into custody and charged with reckless driving.

Column: JGR's Talladega strategy was perfect for playoffs (The Associated Press)

NASCAR fans seemed to have adopted Solo's attitude in response to Joe Gibbs Racing's strategy Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. The team has four drivers and three were guaranteed a spot in the third round of the playoffs if they simply stayed out of trouble at Talladega. Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth raced with a purpose, but it wasn't to win the race.

Sauter wins at Martinsville to make championship race (The Associated Press)

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Johnny Sauter earned a spot in the Truck Series championship race with a victory Saturday at Martinsville Speedway.

Martinsville notebook: Only thoughts of winning for pole-sitter Truex (The Associated Press)

After a blown engine knocked him out of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup last Sunday at Talladega, the one thought that kept Martin Truex Jr. from wallowing in despair was the prospect of winning Sunday's Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway (1 p.m. ET on NBCSN). Joey Logano, who advanced to the Round of 8 on the strength of last Sunday's victory at Talladega, knows only too well what a victory at the .526-mile short track could mean for his title hopes.

Logano back at Martinsville aware of mistakes of last year (The Associated Press)

Joey Logano was initially unrepentant, insistent he had done nothing wrong in a feud with Matt Kenseth that ultimately cost Logano a chance to win his first Cup championship. A year later, Logano has a new perspective about the soap opera that fueled the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. ''I learned some valuable lessons last year,'' Logano said.

Truex bounces back from Chase elimination to win pole (The Associated Press)

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Martin Truex Jr. vowed to win the remaining races this season once he was knocked out of the playoffs.

Jeff Gordon unsure if Martinsville is his final race (The Associated Press)

Jeff Gordon celebrated the last win of his NASCAR career as if it was his first trip to victory lane. Although he came up empty three weeks later in the championship race, that one final victory was something to savor.

Kenseth, Logano hope for better results at Martinsville (The Associated Press)

Matt Kenseth has some unfinished business at the Martinsville Speedway when he arrives at the Virginia track to start the penultimate round of the Chase. Never short on determination or talent, Kenseth has been trying to get back to champion status since 2003 when he and crew chief Robbie Reiser won the title with a lone victory at the Ford team owned by Jack Roush. It was not necessarily a happy occasion, since Kenseth and his crew chief were roundly criticized for stroking to the title by points racing.

Column: JGR's Talladega strategy was perfect for playoffs (The Associated Press)

NASCAR fans seemed to have adopted Solo's attitude in response to Joe Gibbs Racing's strategy Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. The team has four drivers and three were guaranteed a spot in the third round of the playoffs if they simply stayed out of trouble at Talladega. Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth raced with a purpose, but it wasn't to win the race.

Hamlin advances in Chase without help from teammates (The Associated Press)

Joe Gibbs Racing used meticulous strategy when Denny Hamlin won the season-opening Daytona 500. To continue his championship chances, he was on his own. JGR used a split plan Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, where three drivers lagged at the back of the field all day as Hamlin raced at the front to avoid elimination in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Logano wins Talladega to advance in NASCAR's playoffs (The Associated Press)

Joey Logano grabbed a critical win to give Team Penske one car in the next round of NASCAR's playoffs. Denny Hamlin edged Austin Dillon for the final spot in the field on a tiebreaker Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. Engine troubles for Martin Truex Jr. and Penske driver Brad Keselowski counted for two of the eliminations, and the race came down to a late battle for the final transfer spot between Hamlin and Dillon.

Truex wins pole after bolts from confiscated at Talladega (The Associated Press)

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) -- Martin Truex Jr. overcame an issue in inspection to win the pole for the playoff elimination race at Talladega Superspeedway.

Grant Enfinger wins 1st NASCAR race with Talladega victory (The Associated Press)

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) -- Grant Enfinger grabbed his first career NASCAR victory - at his home track, no less - by holding off the pack to win the Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.

Chase Elliott seeks playoff-saving victory at Talladega (The Associated Press)

Chase Elliott has been inching toward his first career Sprint Cup victory all year, only to come up short time and time again. There have been five times this year that Elliott has finished second or third. Then a tire problem at Kansas dropped him to last in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings and on the edge of elimination.

NASCAR returns to Mexico for 2017 with new sponsor PEAK (The Associated Press)

NASCAR will resurrect its series in Mexico behind new title sponsor PEAK, an automotive products company seeking to boost its profile. The rebranded NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series will mark its return with an exhibition race in Mexico City in December. The announcement Tuesday night in Mexico City was attended by Daniel Suarez, who used the series as a starting point that led to his current ride with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Column: Talladega could eliminate some of NASCAR's top names (The Associated Press)

Brad Keselowski thought playing it safe over two races would slide him into the third round of NASCAR's playoffs. Then he wrecked at Kansas Speedway and plummeted to the bottom of the Chase standings. Now Keselowski is facing elimination at Talladega Superspeedway.

Harvick advances in Chase as others struggle at Kansas (The Associated Press)

After departing the celebration in victory lane at Kansas on Sunday, Kevin Harvick reflected on how his Stewart-Haas Racing team always seems to rally when its back is against the wall. Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski just may need to follow suit. Harvick dealt with a mechanical issue a week ago at Charlotte that put him in a big hole heading to the second stop in the Chase's round of 12.

Kevin Harvick wins at Kansas to reach next round of Chase (The Associated Press)

Kevin Harvick won the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, going to the front on a late restart and outrunning Carl Edwards to lock up his spot in the next round of the Chase. Joey Logano was third, followed by Johnson, Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon.

Kyle Busch wins third straight Xfinity race at Kansas (The Associated Press)

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- Kyle Busch won his third straight Xfinity race at Kansas on Saturday, while Chase contenders Elliott Sadler and Daniel Suarez followed him to the line to help their championship hopes.

Carl Edwards feels pressure for first win at home track (The Associated Press)

Carl Edwards generally loves the two races a year at Kansas Speedway. It's the second stop in the three-race round of 12 in the championship Chase, and a win would take the stress out of Talladega by assuring him a spot in the next round. ''It's pretty obvious the pressure is pretty high in general with this format,'' said Edwards, who will start third on Sunday .

Kurt Busch spins late in final practice session at Kansas (The Associated Press)

Kurt Busch had a tire go down in the final seconds of the last practice session for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Kansas, sending his car spinning down the track and into the front-stretch grass. The car plowed through the mud and sustained significant damage on Saturday, forcing Busch into his backup car for the race.

Kenseth leads JGR power in Sprint Cup qualifying at Kansas (The Associated Press)

Joe Gibbs Racing made another big statement in qualifying at Kansas Speedway on Friday. The dominant Sprint Cup team this season, JGR swept the top three spots for the second race in the round of 12 of the Chase. Matt Kenseth will start on the pole after his lap of 192.089 mph, Kyle Busch will start alongside him and Carl Edwards will start right behind them in third.

Johnson heads to Kansas with weight off his shoulders (The Associated Press)

Jimmie Johnson could feel the pressure mounting all season as he continued to turn into the garage area rather than Victory Lane after failing to win Sprint Cup races. The six-time champion made a big move in his pursuit of a record-tying seventh when Johnson won the opening race in the round of 12 of the Chase. It locked him into the round of eight, taking the pressure off not only at Kansas Speedway on Sunday but unpredictable Talladega next week.

NASCAR rolls out changes to rules package for next season (The Associated Press)

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- NASCAR is unveiling its rules package for next season, changes designed to reduce downforce and give drivers more control of the race.

Johnson comments on Stewart-Haas prompts Hendrick walk-back (The Associated Press)

Jimmie Johnson described a less-than-ideal working relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing on Friday, prompting his team general manager to clarify how the teams shared information. Stewart-Haas has gotten its Chevrolet engines and chassis from Hendrick Motorsports since it began in 2009, but that relationship is poised to end. Stewart-Haas announced this year it would be switching to Roush Yates Engines that power Ford teams for next season.

Keselowski says dynamic has changed for Chase points leaders (The Associated Press)

The excitement level over the next two Chase races could very well vary from fan to fan. Because five Chase drivers had trouble at Charlotte, Brad Keselowski believes the dynamic has changed for the rest of the field. The opening race of the second round of the Chase saw five drivers finish 30th or worse , and now only eight points separates Denny Hamlin in eight place from Kevin Harvick in 12th.

Column: NASCAR catches break with Chase race at Charlotte (The Associated Press)

When it's all said and done at the end of this season, NASCAR just might have to thank Hurricane Matthew for saving its Chase. It sure didn't seem like that when rain was trying to swamp the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Forced to run two races on Sunday, both NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway somehow managed to pull off a miracle.

Topsy-turvy day at Charlotte tightens NASCAR playoffs (The Associated Press)

It should have been catastrophic nearly any way Joey Logano looked at his situation. At the moment, Logano's only saving grace was that Kevin Harvick had his own disabled vehicle and was stuck watching Sunday's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway roll on without them. Then Austin Dillon wrecked, Chase Elliott, too.

Logano snatches win away from Larson in Xfinity Series (The Associated Press)

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Joey Logano snatched a win away from Kyle Larson in the second race of a NASCAR doubleheader.

Johnson out to salvage Hendrick Motorsports' tough season (The Associated Press)

Yep, it has been a rough season for Hendrick Motorsports - but Jimmie Johnson is out to salvage it. Johnson gained some big-time momentum and a measure of breathing room on Sunday in his quest for a record-tying seventh Cup championship, winning at Charlotte to advance to the third round for the first time since the new playoff format was established in 2014. ''We knew we would get back'' in victory lane, Johnson said.

Jimmie Johnson moves into 3rd round of NASCAR's playoffs (The Associated Press)

Jimmie Johnson advanced into the third round of NASCAR's playoffs with a much-needed victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The win Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway puts the six-time champion into the round of eight for the first time since the elimination format began in 2014. Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick both had engine issues.

Alex Bowman savoring his shot as Earnhardt's replacement (The Associated Press)

Alex Bowman believes Dale Earnhardt Jr. helped his racing career once already when he gave him a handful of starts with JR Motorsports. Now sidelined for the year with a concussion, Earnhardt also helped Bowman by recommending him as a replacement driver at Hendrick Motorsports. ''Dale Earnhardt Jr. saved my career two years ago when he gave me that chance in the Xfinity car,'' Bowman said.

Hurricane Matthew postpones Saturday night Sprint Cup race (The Associated Press)

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Hurricane Matthew has washed out Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and led NASCAR to schedule a doubleheader Sunday.

Famed Daytona has 'moderate damage' from Hurricane Matthew (The Associated Press)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Daytona International Speedway officials say the famed track has ''moderate damage'' from Hurricane Matthew.

Austin Dillon embracing underdog role in NASCAR playoffs (The Associated Press)

Of the 12 drivers remaining in NASCAR's playoffs, the odds makers have ranked Austin Dillon last in the championship race. Only he did make the cut, and now Dillon intends to creep even further into the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. This is Dillon's debut in the Chase and he went into last weekend's elimination race at Dover in danger of being bounced from the field.

Hurricane Matthew washes out Friday activity at Charlotte (The Associated Press)

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Rain has washed out all NASCAR activity at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including Friday night's Xfinity Series race.

Harvick wins pole for opening race of 2nd round of Chase (The Associated Press)

Kevin Harvick has already proven he's a factor at Charlotte Motor Speedway, especially during night races. With the top starting spot Saturday night, he'll be tough to beat in the opening race of the second round of NASCAR's playoffs. Chase Elliott qualified third and was followed by Kyle Busch, the highest qualifying Toyota driver, Tony Stewart and AJ Allmendinger.

Preview: Harvick hopes to continue strong run at Charlotte (The Associated Press)

Jimmie Johnson might hold the Charlotte Motor Speedway record with seven wins, but lately Kevin Harvick has been better there. In his last seven starts at the 1.5-mile track, Harvick has registered two wins, three second-place finishes and no showing worse than ninth. The No. 4 Chevrolet driver will attempt to notch another Queen City victory in Saturday's Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (7 p.m. ET on NBC) - the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Round of 12 opener.

Truex goes from journeyman to championship favorite (The Associated Press)

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Martin Truex Jr. spent almost a decade trying to climb his way into NASCAR's top tier. He didn't win races, never led many laps, wasn't considered an elite driver capable of winning championships.

Truex dominates at Dover for 2nd Chase victory of season (The Associated Press)

Martin Truex Jr. dominated Sunday at Dover International Speedway for his second victory in the first three Chase races. Tony Stewart finished 13th and the three-time NASCAR champion and was knocked out of contention in the first elimination race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Chris Buescher and Chip Ganassi teammates Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray also dropped out of the Chase.

Suarez opens NASCAR doubleheader with Xfinity win at Dover (The Associated Press)

DOVER, Del. (AP) -- Daniel Suarez cruised into the second round of the Chase in the Xfinity Series with a win Sunday at Dover International Speedway.

Reddick holds off teammate Hemric in Las Vegas (The Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Tyler Reddick held off teammate Daniel Hemric to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Saturday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Dover Doubleheader: Rain pushes Xfinity race to Sunday (The Associated Press)

DOVER, Del. (AP) -- Rain washed out the NASCAR Xfinity Series race and there will be a Dover doubleheader Sunday.

Earnhardt returns to Dover to support Hendrick teammates (The Associated Press)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. might take a turn as NASCAR's most popular crew member. Earnhardt was in a hoodie and a hat instead of a fire suit as he made one of his few public appearances at a track since his season ended in July because of a concussion. Earnhardt posed for selfies with fans and seemed in good spirits watching practice from the pit box on Saturday at Dover International Speedway.