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NASCAR Ford 400 Predictions

HOMESTEAD, FL (THE SPREAD) - NASCAR closes out its season on Sunday with the Ford 400 from Homestead Miami Speedway in what promises to be the most exciting final race since the Chase format was introduced.

After 35 races it comes down to Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart and NASCAR couldn't ask for more drama since Sunday's finale is essentially a winner-take-all showdown. As if the chase hasn't been exciting enough, both of these drivers have run well here in the past, which should make for a thrilling race.

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When handicapping this race you need to look at the 1.5-mile tracks like Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Texas, to see how they have performed during the year. Most of the teams haven't announced which cars they will be bringing as of this writing. Thus, make sure to check if they will be bringing a car that has performed well on these types of tracks in the past.

Carl Edwards 9/2

Carl Edwards is the defending champion of this race and has won twice in his last three starts here. Since 2005, Edwards’ 4.3 average finish leads all drivers. He has consistently run up front, which is very important to not only win the race but to win his first championship. It is Edwards' title to lose and we think he wins this race in convincing fashion and becomes NASCAR’s champion on Sunday.

Kevin Harvick 6/1

Kevin Harvick has never won at Homestead but he has three top three finishes in the last three races at Homestead. All year Harvick has been one of the best on the 1.5-mile cookie cutter tracks. Harvick hasn't done much during the chase but he’s still been in contention most weeks and a win in the final race wouldn't surprise considering his history here.

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Denny Hamlin 20/1

Denny Hamlin has five straight top 15 finishes at Homestead, and his 11.2 average finish at the track is fourth best in the series. Hamlin won the season finale in 2009 and he’s finished third or better three times in six career starts. He isn't running for a title like last year and has been a disappointment in 2011. But a win on Sunday would be a great way to close out this year.

2011 Ford 400 Information

Race Date: Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011

Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

Pre-Race: 2PM ET

Green Flag: Approx. 3:15PM ET

TV Coverage: ESPN

Radio Coverage: MRN

Track Type: Oval (267 laps)