Why people getting hit in the crotch is better than NASCAR (at least to ABC)

We all know Jimmie Johnson is set for his third title in a row, so with the drama all but gone from NASCAR, ABC moved the race to ESPN2 late in the event for ... "America's Funniest Home Videos.''

Yes, NASCARnation you've got to feel good that people getting hit in the groin is better than NASCAR.

"I can't imagine being a race fan and being on the East Coast and trying to watch this and then going to that (show),'' Jamie McMurray said after the race. "I mean, maybe if the President was going to talk, maybe if something big had happened, but I can't believe that "America's Funniest Home Videos'' would take priority over us.''

Here's the statement from ABC/ESPN:

" After two red flags,  rain in Phoenix and 4 1/2 hours on ABC, we were still 34 minutes from the end of the telecast as it turned out. We told fans in the East and Central from the second red flag on that the race was moving to ESPN2.  ABC's entertainment viewers and NASCAR fans were both well served in a tough spot, and we are fortunate to have ESPN2 among our networks to serve the fans."

OK, now for the real reason. Remember, November is sweeps period (that's why so many shows start at this time of the year). Networks are going for as high of ratings now so they can set their ad rates. This is a key time for the networks. Frankly, NASCAR isn't going to win that battle. Of course, you do wonder if it was an NFL game that went long (or went into overtime) if ABC would do the same thing. Sure, having ESPN as a partner makes it easier to make such a move but would it be done for an NFL game? Should people see this as NASCAR being considered a second-class citizen?

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On to the race:

# Jimmie Johnson leads Carl Edwards by 141 points heading to Homestead. All Johnson needs to do is finish 36th or better to clinch the title. He's placed worse than 36th only once this season.

"It's possible,'' Carl Edwards said of beating Johnson for the title, "but not probable.''

# Johnson's win gives Chevrolet the manufacturer's championship.

# Johnson's win keeps Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick winless for the season and only one more chance to break that.

# Johnson's win is the 40th of his career. He's 15th on the all-time wins list. Next is Bill Elliott with 44 wins.

# Johnson's win gives him 14 victories in the Chase. That's 14 wins in 49 Chase races. That's a winning percentage of 28.5 percent.

# Johnson led 217 of 313 laps.

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Kurt Busch on finishing 2nd on Sunday to Jimmie Johnson:

"It's really a privilege to finish second to him today. We thought we had most of the group covered but we just got beat and we got beat by something special. There was a restart with (95) laps to go when he was second behind Jamie McMurray, I was third and the way that he went high, went low and he was in the lead before you could snap your fingers.''

Busch's Dodge featured the new engine.

Jamie McMurray placed third for his fourth top-10 finish in the last five races.

"I think that for any of the teams, if you run well at the end of the season, that team is going to run well when next season starts,'' McMurray said. "I think the tone of your season gets set in those first five races. To end this year strong is super important because you're going to start next season, hopefully, where you left off.''

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A few other tidbits

# Kyle Petty finished 39th in his final race of the season. The question is if its his final race for Petty Enterprises. There's a lot to be worked out and a possible Petty-Ganassi merger could impact things but don't be surprised if Petty runs a handful of races for someone else next year. Still, there's a lot that could change before next year. This will be an interesting situation to watch over the coming weeks.

# Did you notice Matt Kenseth pay AJ Allmendinger back as they came to the checkered flag? Allmendinger got under Kenseth and caused him to to get into Tony Stewart late in the race. Then on the final lap Kenseth turned down into Allmendinger on the frontstretch and caused him to wreck, along with a few others. While NASCAR was applauded by some for parking David Gilliland after he turned into Juan Pablo Montoya last week at Texas, one would be disappointed if NASCAR didn't come out with some point penalty on Kenseth since the race was over and they couldn't park him to get the message across -- such actions can't be tolerated in this sport. At least half a dozen cars were damaged. That's inexcusable.

# David Ragan finished 10th. That's his seventh consecutive top-15 finish. He's placed in the top 10 in five races during that stretch. Keep an eye on this kid. He's become steady, shown patience and is catching up to the capability of his car. He would be a good pick to make the Chase for next year as you look ahead.

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