THINGS WE LEARNED AT HOMESTEAD

THINGS WE LEARNED AT HOMESTEAD

1. Good timing

As a member of the Chase field, Kyle Busch had never scored a victory in the NASCAR Chase since joining the tour in 2005. He smashed that streak Sunday like Gallagher sledge-hammers watermelons. Not only did he win his first race as a Chaser, but that victory earned him a forever spot in the record book as 2015 Cup champ.

2. Gordon wanted it

Jeff Gordon wanted that fifth Cup Series championship in the worst way. Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough car to get the job done. Still, the 44-year-old retired by finishing third in final points, making a record 797 consecutive starts and scoring 93 wins. One of the sport’s greatest careers.

3. With a whimper

Michael Waltrip Racing went down without much of a fight at Homestead-Miami Speedway. David Ragan finished two laps down in 27th, while teammate Clint Bowyer crashed out on Lap 45. Waltrip Racing will cease operations this week.

Roberto Duran said it best: 'No mas.'

Kyle Busch had never won a Chase race dating back to his first season (2005) in the NASCAR Cup Series. He stomped that streak at Homestead on Sunday. SEAN GARDNER/GETTY IMAGES

— Godwin Kelly, godwin.kelly@news-jrnl.com