Homestead: Busch ends season with win

Another driver who will be celebrating following the race is Tony Stewart. The outspoken star has clinched his first Winston Cup championship, despite a disappointing race in which he finished in 18th place. Stewart was guaranteed the title so long as he finished in 22nd position or above.

Busch, who had started from pole position, took the victory after overtaking rookie Ryan Newman with just 11 laps remaining, having stalked the Penske Racing driver for several laps. Joe Nemecheck eventually finished in second, with Jeff Burton third. Mark Martin, the only driver other than Stewart with a realistic shot at the title, finished fourth. Newman dropped back to end up in sixth position.

In the final championship standing, Stewart finished 38 points clear of Martin. Busch's late run of wins elevated him into third in the final standings, ahead of outgoing champion Jeff Gordon. Rookies Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman finished fifth and sixth in the championship respectively.