Who’s hot

IndyCar Series: The series couldn’t ask for anything more heading into Saturday’s Firestone Indy 300, the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Ryan Briscoe are separated by only eight points. Dixon and Franchitti are guaranteed the title if they win. Briscoe needs to win and a little help, but the drama is just what the open-wheel series needs.

Who’s not

Antron Brown: The NHRA Countdown to One has gotten off to a miserable start for Brown, who started the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Top Fuel. He lost in the first round in Tennessee last week and is fourth in points. That followed a second-round loss in Ennis.

Notes

Sprint Cup start times: NASCAR will attempt to halt its sinking TV ratings through consistent, earlier start times that appeal to longtime race fans. NASCAR chairman Brian France said Wednesday that Fox, ESPN/ABC and Turner agreed to earlier starts after research showed "our core fans want to begin watching NASCAR a little earlier in the afternoon." In 2010, 21 Sprint Cup races will start at noon CT, including the Daytona 500 and the two races in Fort Worth.

No. 1s no more: The four drivers who started the NHRA Countdown to One as point leaders are no longer in first with three races remaining. Top Fuel driver Antron Brown is in fourth, 120 points behind leader Tony Schumacher. Funny Car driver Tony

Pedregon trails leader Ashley Force Hood by 26 points. Pro Stock driver Jeg Coughlin is in fourth place and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec is in second.

Championship on line: While the IndyCar Series will crown its champion this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a Dallas-based team can also claim a title at the track Saturday. The No. 99 Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing team of Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty have an eight-point lead heading into the Grand Prix of Miami in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The title goes to the team if they finish fourth or better, regardless of how any other team fares.

Big money at stake in Kennedale: The Cowtown Sprint Nationals are set for Friday and Saturday at Cowtown Speedway in Kennedale. The entry list for the $85,000 event features almost 70 sprint cars and drivers from 12 states. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cowtownspeedway.com or at the track.

Countdown to the Dickies 500

30 days: Customers who purchase $15 worth of participating products at Brookshire’s can buy two frontstretch tickets for $99 for the Dickies 500.

Telling number

39Drivers in the Countdown to One who are still in contention for an NHRA title. The only Countdown driver out of the title picture is Pro Stock Motorcycle driver Matt Guidera.

Quotable

"It’s hard to put into words what another championship would mean for all of us at GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing. I’ve been there from the beginning and it’s been pretty amazing to see how the team has matured and just gotten stronger and stronger on every level. It’s still a small team, very family like, and I think a great example of the fact that you can get the job done with a small group of really good people. I feel very lucky to be a part of it and can’t wait as we all write the next chapter."

— Driver Alex Gurney, who was part of the 2007 championship for GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing

This report includes material from The Associated Press.

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