Joey Logano was named the top rookie in Sprint Cup competition this year. (Photo: Getty Images)

 

- In the middle of the National Football League games, did you find yourself wondering, "Gee, I wonder who’s winning the race"?

- Quick … name the Most Popular Driver in the Camping World Truck Series. Believe it or not, it’s Ricky Carmichael, the motorcycling legend who competed in 18 races and finished in the top 10 twice.

- Another odd winner was veteran Johnny Sauter, who was Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the Truck Series. Sauter has competed in 76 Sprint Cup and 195 Nationwide races, but in Trucks, he was a rookie this year.

- As expected, Joey Logano was named as Sprint Cup’s top rookie, and Justin Allgaier claimed the honor in the Nationwide Series.

- No one’s ever won four straight championships before in NASCAR’s top series, but no team has won four straight in any major American professional sport since the New York Islanders won their fourth straight Stanley Cup in 1983.

- With Sprint Cup’s award ceremonies moved from New York to Las Vegas this year, the so-called Champion’s Week is being held in two states, beginning in Southern California and then migrating to Vegas.

- As a practical matter, the economy seems more troubling this year than last for NASCAR teams. The future of several teams and drivers hangs in the balance as owners search for sponsorship.

- Rick Hendrick has driver Jimmie Johnson signed through 2015 and sponsor Lowe’s nailed down through 2013, but no long-term agreement with crew chief Chad Knaus has yet been finalized. Knaus may be reluctant to commit himself to remaining as a crew chief for an extended period.

- What is now Richard Petty Motorsports - a team with extremely extensive roots and a diverse history - has more off-season questions to answer than any other team. Much has been discussed. Little has been finalized.

- The season ended with feuds (Tony Stewart-Juan Pablo Montoya, Denny Hamlin-Brad Keselowski) abounding. It’s a good time for a cooling-off period.

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