2009 Cup season in photos

Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Shelby 427 auto race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Sunday, March 1, 2009.

Doug Pensinger, Associated Press

NASCAR official Rick Monroe, left, stands on the flag stand as Jim Ruscigno waves the green flag to start NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Leading the pack is Jeff Gordon (24), left, and right is driver Jimmie Johnson (48).

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards flips into the catch fence on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Drivers, led by Jimmie Johnson (48), head into a turn at the start of the NASCAR Shelby 427 auto race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Sunday, March 1, 2009.

John Harrelson, Getty Images for NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. races the #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2009 in Watkins Glen, New York.

Wade Payne, Associated Press

Kyle Busch does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sharpie 500 in Bristol, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Fire comes out of the car of Marcos Ambrose (47) after he spun out during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Will Lester, Associated Press

Matt Kenseth leads Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon during the NASCAR Auto Club 500 race Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009,in Fontana, Calif.

Will Lester, Associated Press

Matt Kenseth takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Auto Club 500 race Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in Fontana, Calif.

Glenn Smith, Associated Press

Cars race across the start/finsih line to begin the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Jason Smith, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson (L), driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane with team owner Rick Hendrick (R) after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

The #2 Miller Lite Dodge crew celebrates on pit road after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia.

JEFF WILLHELM, MCT

Rain dapples Jimmie Johnson's car as he climbs in for the start of the NASCAR Banking 500 in Concord, North Carolina, Saturday, October 17, 2009.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Denny Hamlin gets service in the pits during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge dives under leader Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Pop-Tarts/CARQUEST Chevrolet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

AP and Getty Images

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Kyle Busch, driver of the Interstate Batteries Toyota, crashes into the wall on the final lap as he crosses the finish line and Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, crashes into the back of him during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 51st Annual Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 4, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press

Tony Stewart races through turn three during the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Tony Stewart , points leader and pole, had to start in the last position after wrecking his car in practice on Saturday.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Scott Speed, driver of the #82 Red Bull Toyota, races Bill Elliott, driver of the #21 Motorcraft Ford during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jeff Gordon (C), driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, talks with his crew in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, celebrates in victory lane with Team President JD Gibbs after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 8, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

AP and Getty Images

Glenn Smith, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) goes airborne after colliding with Brad Keselowski, bottom, on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Steve Sheppard, Associated Press

Sterling Marlin (09) and John Andretti (34) tangle in turn two during the Tums 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. Saturday Oct. 25, 2009.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #1 TomTom Chevrolet, loses control after hitting the wall during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 28, 2009 in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Wade Payne, Associated Press

Bobby Allison, honorary starter, waves the green flag at the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500 auto race in Bristol, Tenn., Sunday, March 22, 2009.

Jim Cole, Associated Press

Mark Martin (5) leads Denny Hamlin (11) and Juan Pablo Montoya (42), of Colombia, as cars crash on the final lap during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Sylvania 300 auto race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. Martin won the race.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowes Chevrolet and Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet lead the field as actor and Pocono 500 Garnd Marshall Ryan Reynolds waves the green flag at the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 500 on June 7, 2009 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Rich Glickstein, MCT

The field restarts after a fiery crash during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Saturday, May 9, 2009, in Darlington, South Carolina.

Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, leads Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 Haas Automation Chevrolet, and Clint Bowyer, driver of the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Rich Glickstein, MCT

Paul Menard (No. 98) pulls around Robby Gordon (No. 7), who slides into the wall through Turn 2 on lap eight during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Saturday, May 9, 2009, in Darlington, South Carolina.

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, leads the field during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 14, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Dan Lighton, Associated Press

Mark Martin (5) flips after being involved in a accident with Scott Speed (82) David Reutimann (00), Robert Richardson Jr., (36), David Ragan (6) Robby Gordon (7), and Reed Sorenson (43) during the AMP Energy 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Jamie McMurray, driver of the #26 IRWIN Marathon Ford, does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on November 1, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama.

Johnny Crawford, MCT

Flames come from the bottom of Jimmie Johnson's car as he enters Turn one on lap 133 during the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Nick Wass, Associated Press

NASCAR drivers race during the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images for NASCAR

Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Target Chverolet, comes in for a pit stop during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway on February 22, 2009 in Fontana, California.

DAVIE HINSHAW, MCT

Greg Biffle (16) spins in front of Ryan Newman and David Reutimann late in the NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, Saturday, October 17, 2009.

Gary Knapp, Associated Press

Jeremy Mayfield (41) trails a shower of sparks as he makes his way to the pits during the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Steve Helber, Associated Press

Denny Hamlin (11) does a burn out as Carl Edwards heads to the pits after the Tums 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009.

Steve Helber, Associated Press

Kyle Busch celebrates winning the the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series NASCAR race on his birthday at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Shawn Chamberlin, Associated Press

Dave Blaney (66) hits the wall during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Brandon Wade, MCT

Jeff Gordon crosses the finish line winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, loses control on and hits the wall on the front stretch during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Rich Glickstein, MCT

Matt Kenseth (No. 17) and Jeff Gordon (No. 24) lead the pack during the restart on lap eight during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Saturday, May 9, 2009, in Darlington, South Carolina.

Jason Smith, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Cheryl Senter, Associated Press

Fans walk on Pit Road before the start of the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009.

Gergg Ellman, Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson, right, and Mark Martin, left, take the green flag to start the NASCAR Banking 500 Sprint Cup Series auto race at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009.

Chris Trotman, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet, lead the field to a restart during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 31, 2009 in Dover, Delaware.

Dr. Scott M. Lieberman, Associated Press

Kurt Busch does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Audrina Patridge waves the green flag as Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota, leads the field to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California.

DAVIE HINSHAW, MCT

Juan Pablo Montoya spins in Turn 4 on lap 163 during the NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, Saturday, October 17, 2009.

Jason Smith, Getty Images

Track safety vehicles work to clean pit road under caution during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 16, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, leads a line of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California.

Matthew Stockman, Getty Images

Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, crashes during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) and Jamie McMurray (26) spin out during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Elsa, Getty Images for NASCAR

Tony Stewart (L), driver of the #14 Old Spice Chevrolet, and Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 Stewart Haas Racing Chevrolet, talk with the media after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Southern 500 on May 9, 2009 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina.

John Harrelson, Getty Images for NASCAR

Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 500 on June 7, 2009 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Steve Sheppard, Associated Press

Sterling Marlin (09) and John Andretti (34) tangle in turn two during the Tums 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. Sunday Oct. 25, 2009.

John Cameron, Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson (48) spins out in turn two during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

AP and Getty Images

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) and Brad Keselowski collide on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Keselowski won the race.

AP and Getty Images

Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, leads Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) goes airborne as Ryan Newman (39) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. drive by on the final lap of Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

David Kent, MCT

Jeff Gordon does a burnout in the front stretch after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Jeremy Mayfield (41) trails a shower of sparks as he heads to the pits during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Fans watch during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia.

Jason Smith, Getty Images

Matt Kenseth (C), driver of the #17 DEWALT Ford and Jeff Gordon (R), driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, lead a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 16, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) spins out at the start finish line during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 National Guard Patriot Academy/DuPont Chevrolet, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, leads Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, and David Reutimann, driver of the #00 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Nick Wass, Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson takes the checkered flag to win the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, races Brad Keselowski, driver of the #25 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, and Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois.

Glenn Smith, Associated Press

Carl Edwards runs to the finish line after crashing on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Mark Young, Associated Press

Ryan Newman (33) slides upside down on the track after crashing with Kevin Harvick (29) during the AMP Energy 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.

AP and Getty Images

Stephen Dunn, Getty Images for NASCAR

Greg Biffle driver of the #16 3M Ford makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images for NASCAR

Team owner Joe Gibbs watches from pit road during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway on February 22, 2009 in Fontana, California.

Nick Wass, Associated Press

Martin Truex Jr. (1) and Elliot Sadler (19) get sideways on the front straightaway as Regan Smith, front, tries to get control during the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Aflac Ford, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Rich Glickstein, MCT

Mark Martin celebrates after winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Saturday, May 9, 2009, in Darlington, South Carolina.

Nick Wass, Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson makes a pit stop during the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. Johnson went on to win the race.

Orlin Wagner, Associated Press

Tony Stewart crosses the finish line to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Price Chopper 400 auto race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City.

AP and Getty Images

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Lowe's Motor Speedway Track blowers dry the track during a rain delay for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on October 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Kansas.

AP and Getty Images

Shawn Chamberlin, Associated Press

Kevin Harvick (20) hits the wall in turn four during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press

Casey Mears (07) and Kevin Harvick (29) look to avoid cars on the track during a wreck in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Price Chopper 400 auto race, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan.

Jason Smith, Getty Images for NASCAR

The #18 M&M's Toyota, driven by Kyle Busch is towed into the garage area after suffering damage during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Brandon Wade, MCT

Jeff Gordon celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) goes airborne as Ryan Newman (39) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. drive by on the final lap of Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Scott Speed, driver of the #82 Red Bull Toyota pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway on February 22, 2009 in Fontana, California.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Jamie McMurray, driver of the #26 IRWIN Marathon Ford, takes the yellow and white flag as he crosses the finish line in the final lap of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on November 1, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 NAPA Adaptive One Brakes Toyota, David Stremme, driver of the #12 Penske Dodge, and John Andretti, driver of the #34 A&W All American Hamburger Chevrolet, pass by Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the #77 Mobil 1 Dodge, as he spins out of control and slams into the wall during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 25, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Johnny Crawford, MCT

A large number of seats remained empty in the Grandstand during the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, leads the field during the final laps of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

A general shot of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet crew celebrating in victory lane after Mark Martin(not pictured) wins the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 14, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Jim Cole, Associated Press

Mark Martin takes a victory lab after winning the NASCAR Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup auto race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

AP and Getty Images

Jason Smith, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet races Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 16, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Jason Smith, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jamie McMurray, driver of the #26 Crown Royal Ford, drives in the garage area after suffering damage during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards flips into the catch fence on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Jerry Markland, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jamie McMurray, driver of the #26 IRWIN Marathon Ford, takes the checkered flag ahead of second place finisher Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on November 1, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama.

Johnny Crawford, MCT

Young NASCAR fans Cordell Dixon Jr. (8) and David Gulley II (5) of Decatur, Georgia, look for their favorite drivers during the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

A general view of cars racing during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images for NASCAR

Team owner Jack Roush (L) and Jamie McMurray (R), driver of the #26 IRWIN Marathon Ford, celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on November 1, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama.

Steve Helber, Associated Press

Kyle Busch jumps into the arms of his pit crew as he celebrates winning the the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series NASCAR race on his birthday at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, races Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on October 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Russ Hamilton, Associated Press

Tony Stewart celebrates winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

Mark Martin (5) flips during an accident during the AMP Energy 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards (99) and Brad Keselowski collide on the final lap of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Keselowski won the race.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Bobby Labonte, driver of the #96 ASK.com Ford, drives during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tom Pennington, Getty Images for NASCAR

Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, celebrates by firing two Beretta's into the air on victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 8, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, and Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 U.S. ARMY Chevrolet, lead the field during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot Chevrolet, leads the field during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Kyle Busch celebrates winning the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Marcos Ambrose, driver of the #47 Little Debbie/Kingsford/Clorox Toyota, leads Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 500 on June 7, 2009 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Reed Sorenson, driver of the #43 McDonald's Dodge, loses control and spins into the pea gravel during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2009 in Watkins Glen, New York.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Martin Truex Jr., (1) hits Mark Martin (5) during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Drivers and team members stand for the National Anthem prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 17, 2009 in Concord, North Carolina.

Stephen M. Dowell, MCT

A Sprint Cup official, right, signals a penalty as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pit crew services his car just barely outside the pit box during the Daytona 500,

Jason Smith, Getty Images for NASCAR

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, loses control of his car during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 17, 2009 in Concord, North Carolina.

Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, leads Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jason Smith, Getty Images

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars out of the pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 16, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

Martin Truex Jr., (1) hits Mark Martin (5) during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Mark Martin (R), driver of the #5 CARQUEST / Kellogg's Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (C), driver of the #88 National Guard / AMP Energy Chevrolet lead the field at the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on October 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona.

Gary Knapp, Associated Press

Kyle Busch holds the winners trophy as he celebrates the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Will Lester, Associated Press

Matt Kenseth pulls away from Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch during the closing laps of the NASCAR Auto Club 500 race Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in Fontana, Calif. Kenseth won the race.

Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, pits during a caution in the final laps of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet, burns out after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 31, 2009 in Dover, Delaware.

AP and Getty Images

Mary Ann Chastain, Associated Press

Jamie McMurray (26) leaves a trail of smoke while Jeff Gordon (24) just gets by him in turn two during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500 auto race in Bristol, Tenn., Sunday, March 22, 2009.

Cheryl Senter, Associated Press

NASCAR driver Mark Martin, center, celebrates his win in Sunday's Sylvania 300 auto race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009.

Don Petersen, Associated Press

Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the Tums 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. Saturday Oct. 25, 2009.

John Cameron, Associated Press

Kyle Busch heads into turn two during the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Steve Helber, Associated Press

Kyle Busch celebrates winning the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series NASCAR race on his birthday at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Nick Laham, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Steve Helber, Associated Press

Kyle Busch celebrates winning the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Shawn Chamberlin, Associated Press

A.J. Allmendinger (31) spins out in turn four during the NASCAR Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

AP and Getty Images

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont/National Guard Chevrolet, comes in for a pit stop during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 14, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Scott k. Brown, Associated Press

David Stremme (12) drives by a loose tire in the pits during the Crown Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday May 2, 2009.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Cars race around turns 1 and 2 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 25, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet, performs a burn out to celebrate after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 500 on June 7, 2009 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Casey Mears, driver of the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Kyle Busch driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Kyle Busch driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Dave Blaney, driver of the #66 Hyde Park Storage Suites Toyota, spins out of control during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Ralph Lauer, Associated Press

Kurt Busch's car is fueled on his final pit stop in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway, on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas. Busch won the race.

Tom Pennington, Getty Images for NASCAR

Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, climbs out of his car on victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 8, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Todd Warshaw, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois.

Rainier Ehrhardt, Associated Press

Carl Edwards, right, flips into the catch fence as Ryan Newman (39) slides along the wall on the final lap of Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #1 TomTom Chevrolet, loses control and hits wall during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 28, 2009 in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Johnny Crawford, MCT

Carl Hagan of Palmetto, Georgia, cheers for Jeff Gordon during the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Russell Norris, Associated Press

NASCAR drivers Mark Martin, lower left, A.J. Allmendinger (44), Scott Riggs (36), Kevin Harvick (29), Jeff Gordon (24), Max Papis (13), Kasey Kahne (9) and Jamie McMurray (26) all crash during the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Jason Smith, Associated Press

Brian Vickers leads the field to a green yellow start for the Crowl Royal 400 Sprint Cup Series NASCAR Race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday, May 2 2009. The green yellow start was due to wet track conditions.

Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Denny Hamlin (11) and Juan Pablo Montoya, partially obscured, tangle on a restart during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Pepsi 500 auto race, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in Fontana, Calif. At front left is Jimmie Johnson, who won the race.

Stephen Dunn, Getty Images for NASCAR

Fans watch at the end of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

John Raoux, Associated Press

Kyle Busch (18) and Kasey Kahne (9) slide across the finish line after they were involved in a crash on the last lap of the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Paul Moseley, MCT

Kurt Busch celebrates winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Dickies 500 race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, November 8, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas.

John Harrelson, Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, races Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Southern 500 on May 9, 2009 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina.

Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Crew members for Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 17, 2009 in Concord, North Carolina.