HOMESTEAD, Fla., 21 November 2004 — His first pole of the season couldn’t have come at a better time for Nextel Cup Series points leader Kurt Busch. The No.97 Roush Racing Ford driver captured the pole for today’s season finale, Ford 400, with a time of 30.114 seconds (179.319 m.p.h.).
The pole victory was the third of Busch’s “Cup” career.
“I like qualifying here at Homestead,” said Busch. “You don’t feel like you’re doing a great lap, but the horsepower comes forth and you put up a great number.”
Starting on the front row with Busch will be teammate Greg Biffle, who posted a best lap of 30.116 seconds.
Ryan Newman (30.152) and Kasey Kahne (30.186) will start in the second row.
After 35 of 36 events Busch owns an 18-point lead over Jimmie Johnson, who was forced to use a provisional entry and will start all the way back in the 39th position. Jeff Gordon (starting fifth) trails Busch by 21 points, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (starting 16th) is 72 points out and Mark Martin (starting 11th) is 82 points behind the leader.
The championship race is so close that to clinch the championship, Busch must either win the race, finish second and lead a lap or finish third and lead the most laps.
“We need to go out and attack the race track this weekend with the Sharpie Ford, to lead laps and to make sure we do our job at the end of the race,” said Busch.
Johnson can win the title even if Busch finishes second (without leading a lap) by leading the most laps and winning the race.
Gordon can win the race with a win and 10-point bonus for most laps led and a Busch finish no better than fifth.
“We have nothing to lose, we’ll give it everything we’ve got, and hope to come out on top,” said four-time Nextel Cup champion Gordon.
“Junior” takes the title by winning and leading the most laps with Busch finishing 15th, Johnson 10th and Gordon ninth.
Martin can win his first championship after four runner-up finishes if he wins the race, leads the most laps and the following happens: Busch — no better than 19th, Johnson — 13th, Gordon — 12th and Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t lead a lap.
There is a possibility that there could be a five-way tie if all the “planets” align in the correct order. Each driver could end up with 6,449 points. In that case, Johnson would take the crown based on the first tiebreaker — most wins.
