Here are the final Sprint Cup standings:

1. Jimmie Johnson: 6,684 points

2. Carl Edwards: 69 back

3. Greg Biffle: -217

4. Kevin Harvick: -276

5. Clint Bowyer: -303

6. Jeff Burton: -349

7. Jeff Gordon: -368

8. Denny Hamlin: -470

9. Tony Stewart: -482

10. Kyle Busch: -498

11. Matt Kenseth: -500

12. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: -557

It’s about rivalries. It’s about passion. It’s about hating Jeff Gordon, even if you’ve never met the man, and loving Dale Earnhardt, Jr., whether he ever wins another race or not.

NASCAR divides families, bridges cultural boundaries, and often defies common sense. Still, hundreds of thousands pack tracks across America every week, dreaming of that great final lap where the winner crosses the finish line upside down, preferably on fire.

Whether it’s named for Winston or Nextel or Sprint, a cup is awarded to the points leader at the end of the season. In 2008, Jimmie Johnson joined Cale Yarborough as the only drivers to win three consecutive titles.

Here’s the list of the last 10 champions, with number of victories that season and money won:

2008 — Jimmie Johnson (7): $7,225,850

2007 — Jimmie Johnson (10): $7,646,420

2006 — Jimmie Johnson (5): $8,909,140

2005 — Tony Stewart (5): $6,987,530

2004 — Kurt Busch (3): $4,200,330

2003 — Matt Kenseth (1); $4,038,120

2002 – Tony Stewart (3); $4,695,150

2001 — Jeff Gordon (6): $6,649,080

2000 — Bobby Labonte (4): $4,041,750

1999 — Dale Jarrett (4): $3,608,829

Source: NASCAR.com

Springs Queen Bed Skirt — Springs Jimmie Johnson Queen Bed Skirt
Note: The image depicts the entire bed-in-a-bag set. Only the items listed below are included. Features 55% cotton; 45% polyester construction Features printed images of the driver’s car number and replica signature L 60-in; W 80-in; D 14-in dust ruffle Decorated in the team colors Officially licensed Imported

Wincraft Personalized Wall Clock — Wincraft Jimmie Johnson Personalized Wall Clock
Features 12.75-in in diameter Image of the driver, his replica signature, car number, car and your customized name displayed on the face Clock constructed of plastic 1 AA battery required (not included) Decorated in driver’s team colors Arrives ready to hang Officially licensed Made in the USA

Wincraft 15oz Ceramic Mug — Wincraft Jimmie Johnson 15oz Ceramic Mug
Features NASCAR(r) driver 15-oz ceramic mug Designed with full sublimation driver graphics Decorated in the driver’s team colors The mug is compliant to Proposition 65 to be free of heavy metals such as lead Microwave and dishwasher safe Made in China and printed in the U.S. Officially licensed

Racing Reflections Nostalgic Button Tin Clock — Racing Reflections Jimmie Johnson Nostalgic Button Tin Clock
Features Tin clock boasts full-color process graphics of your favorite driver High-gloss resin finish Quartz movement Raised buttons for good visibility Measures 12-in in diameter Officially licensed

Springs 80″ x 63″ Curtains — Springs Jimmie Johnson 80″ x 63″ Curtains
Please Note: The curtains are pictured with a valance, which is sold separately. Features 55% cotton; 45% polyester Two curtains each: W 80-in; L 63-in 200 thread count Includes tie backs Repeat print pattern featuring the driver’s replica signature, car number and NASCAR(r) logo Decorated in the team colors Officially licensed Imported

Springs Shower Curtain — Springs Jimmie Johnson Shower Curtain
Features L 72-inch; W 72-inch shower curtain 250 thread count 50% cotton, 50% polyester cotton percale construction Images of the driver logo displayed Sewn ring holes for added strength Hanging rings are not included Decorated in the team colors Officially licensed Made in USA

Wincraft Thermometer — Wincraft Jimmie Johnson Thermometer
Features 12.75-in round thermometer with driver graphics Made of durable plastic Built-in hanger Ideal for outdoor use Made in USA Officially licensed

Vesture Track Vac NASCAR Robotic Vacuum — Vesture Jimmie Johnson Track Vac NASCAR Robotic Vacuum
Features Radio frequency remote controlled vacuum 5 pre-set patterns for automatic cleaning Interactive audio on start-up and power-down “Pit road” charging station with remote storage Low profile vacuum cleans where traditional vacuums can not Features a race mode for fun without the vacuuming Large capacity dust bin Air filters Die-cast look Safety barriers/tire stacks Officially licensed

Racing Furniture Big Daddy Recliner — Racing Furniture Jimmie Johnson Big Daddy Recliner
Features Overall Dimensions: W 42-in; D 36-in; H 46-in Weight: 130-lb 100% polyester micro fiber fabric with knitted back Treated with a DuPont(r) teflon for built in stain resistance and durability for years of worry free enjoyment Cleaning code W (water or mild soap solution) Seams feature 6 stitches per inch Premium 1.8 density/28-lb compression CA 117 foam in seat and sides for added durability and comfort Premium virgin hollow fill fiber on seat and back cushions for added softness, fullness and resiliency Cushions include Dacron fiber wrap for extra softness Corner blocked and constructed with 1-in oak and hard woods Seat support is maintained with 8 gauge super-loop solid steel no-sag seat springs Teflon coated clips prevent spring noise Premium smooth operating 3-way 16 gauge steel Leggett & Platt Omega Series reclining mechanism rocks, reclines to incline position and then goes all the way back when the user pushes on the arms Back is removable for easy installation or delivery Advanced radio frequency welded durable and cleanable vinyl driver logos Officially licensed

Car Light Set — Features Mini replica cars are 4.5 in long, 1.75 in wide and 1.25 in high UL approved Each set includes 10 lights and 5 cars For indoor or covered outdoor use Officially licensed

Replica Car Light Cover Set — Jimmie Johnson Replica Car Light Cover Set – Set of 2
Features Mini replica cars are 4.5 in long, 1.75 in wide and 1.25 in high Perfect lights for decorating Christmas tree, camper awning or home Use 2 mini lights per cover to completely illuminate your favorite driver’s car For indoor or covered outdoor use Officially licensed

Source: NASCAR Superstore

Convening a distinguished panel of some of the top names in automobile racing, The World Wide Leader in Sports attempted to identify the Top 25 drivers of all time. Those asked to vote included legends such as A.J. Foyt and Richard Petty and current NASCAR stars Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

How tough a crowd was it? You’ve probably heard a little about Bobby Allison, Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser Jr., Nelson Piquet, Kenny Bernstein, Bobby Rahal, Rusty Wallace and Michael Andretti.

None of them cracked the Top 25.

Here’s the Top 5:

1. A.J. Foyt: First four-time winner of the Indy 500.

2. Mario Andretti: Only driver to win an F1 title, the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500.

3. Dale Earnhardt: Tied with Richard Petty with seven Cup championships.

4. Michael Schumacher: Only driver to win seven F1 championships.

5. Ayrton Senna: Produced 41 F1 victories in 161 starts.

To read more about these drivers, and to see the rest of the list, visit ESPN.com.

Richard Petty. Bill Elliott. Cale Yarborough. Bobby Allison. Dale Earnhardt. Darrell Waltrip.

Who has taken the most checkered flags in modern-era NASCAR history? Most of today’s stars have a long way to go to make the list.

Here’s what they find themselves up against as they try to climb the ranks of most victories ever:

Darrell Waltrip: 84

Jeff Gordon: 81

Dale Earnhardt: 76

Cale Yarborough: 69

Richard Petty: 60

Bobby Allison: 55

Rusty Wallace: 55

David Pearson: 45

Bill Elliott: 44

Mark Martin: 35

Jimmie Johnson: 34

Tony Stewart: 32

Check out the rest of the list, and find out more about the drivers at NASCAR.com.

That’s an impressive run, certainly, but Junior has a way to go to top Bill Elliott, who won the award 15 times, including streaks of five (1984-88) and 10 straight years (1991-2000). Richard Petty finished first on eight different occasions, capped by a five-year run from 1974-78. Bobby Allison enjoyed two streaks of three consecutive victories, separated curiously enough by a decade (1971-73, 1981-83).

The Most Popular Driver Award dates back to 1953 and is presented annually by the NMPA. It is the only major NASCAR honor determined wholly by fan vote.

Here’s the full list:

2007 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2006 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2005 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2004 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2003 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2002 Bill Elliott
2001 Dale Earnhardt
2000 Bill Elliott
1999 Bill Elliott
1998 Bill Elliott
1997 Bill Elliott
1996 Bill Elliott
1995 Bill Elliott
1994 Bill Elliott
1993 Bill Elliott
1992 Bill Elliott
1991 Bill Elliott
1990 Darrell Waltrip
1989 Darrell Waltrip
1988 Bill Elliott
1987 Bill Elliott
1986 Bill Elliott
1985 Bill Elliott
1984 Bill Elliott
1983 Bobby Allison
1982 Bobby Allison
1981 Bobby Allison
1980 David Pearson
1979 David Pearson
1978 Richard Petty
1977 Richard Petty
1976 Richard Petty
1975 Richard Petty
1974 Richard Petty
1973 Bobby Allison
1972 Bobby Allison
1971 Bobby Allison
1970 Richard Petty
1969 Bobby Isaac
1967 Cale Yarborough
1966 Darel Dieringer
1965 Fred Lorenzen
1964 Richard Petty
1963 Fred Lorenzen
1962 Richard Petty
1961 Joe Weatherly
1960 Rex White
1959 Jack Smith
1958 Glen Wood
1957 Fireball Roberts
1956 Curtis Turner
1955 Tim Flock
1954 Lee Petty
1953 Lee Petty

Source: npmaonline.com