France: Series to weigh changes during offseason

HOMESTEAD, Fla.

NASCAR chairman Brian France said series officials will look at the Chase, the car and lengths of races during the offseason, among other things, but wasn't specific on whether changes will be made.

About the racing at Talladega, France said: "We've got to make sure that the racing is safe for sure, and then we need to make sure that it's a typical Talladega, Daytona kind of race."

On Cup teams seeking sponsorship as the season ends: "I think clearly the sponsorship market is tougher than it's ever been in my memory.

"I don't anticipate that getting remarkably better."

About the Chase: "We will be looking at that again to see if we can make it better, but we love the premise of the Chase."

About shortening races: "We wouldn't just cut the laps back or the distance back unless we thought it would make a big difference."

On the Denny Hamlin-Brad Keselowski rivalry: "You have to make sure there are limits to hard driving and rivalries, but we certainly want them. We know how important they are."

In regard to any car changes, "We will look at some things in the offseason, going into Daytona to see if we can make a car and the racing better than it is now."

France also said as the economy improves, the no-testing rule could be relaxed.

France's most animated response Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway came after a question about Jeremy Mayfield's lawsuit.

This week, NASCAR asked the court to rule in NASCAR's favor based on the pleadings in the case.

Mayfield is fighting the series over a failed drug test that led to the driver's suspension.

Mayfield's attorney, Mark Geragos, who has represented several celebrities, told Scenedaily.com this week that NASCAR's actions are a "desperate attempt by desperate people."

In its filing, NASCAR noted Mayfield is seeking depositions of France and an ex-wife.

"Nothing surprises me with trial lawyers in the 21st century," France said. "They're an amazing group of people."

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QUALFYING

Jimmie Johnson won the pole but it was a lap in practice that he addressed afterward.

Johnson took the pole with a lap of 173.919 mph. Rookie Scott Speed was next at 172.695. Marcos Ambrose (172.678 mph), Mark Martin (172.353) and Tony Stewart (172.243) followed.

Johnson said he nearly wrecked during practice Friday.

"I went into (turn) 3 with too much speed," he said. "I started moving up the track and I crossed the line where the maximum grip was. I really thought I was hitting the wall."

With Johnson on the pole, he'll likely lead the first lap and gain the five bonus points. Once that happens, he'll need to finish only 27th or better to clinch the title. If he leads the most laps, he'll need to finish 28th or better to win the crown.

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STAYING PUT

Hendrick Motorsports announced Friday it has signed Johnson to a contract extension through 2015. Sponsor Lowe's has signed through 2013. Car owner Rick Hendrick said he's working on an extension with crew chief Chad Knaus.

Also, Hendrick said Jeff Gordon won't be leaving the sport soon.

"Jeff and I have an agreement," Hendrick said. "As long as he drives in Cup, he's going to drive our car. I'm hoping he's going to drive a bunch more years. We know it's going to be at least three or four. So we're excited about that."

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PIT STOPS

Items and property, including a home, numerous cars, dirt bikes and jewelry, belonging to Mayfield were auctioned Friday to raise money for his court fight against NASCAR.... Kurt Busch said he's un certain who his crew chief will be next season.... NASCAR announced comedian Frank Caliendo will host the Cup banquet Dec. 4 in Las Vegas.