Hendrick downplays 'Danica factor'

Getty Images for NASCAR

FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, is congratulated by team owner Rick Hendrick in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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Here's your lock: Hendrick wins again

Only one man is guaranteed a Sprint Cup Series championship this season.

Jimmie Johnson looks like a lock for a NASCAR-record fourth consecutive title, but his win isn't certain.

His team owner, Rick Hendrick, however, can already begin making celebration plans.

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Hendrick savors success

Rick Hendrick capped a record-making season Friday night with NASCAR's highest award, and the car owner had to stop to compose himself during the annual awards ceremony that honored driver Jimmie Johnson's fourth consecutive title.

Johnson's championship gave Hendrick Motorsports its 12th NASCAR title, and capped a year that saw Hendrick sweep the top three spots in the standings. For his efforts, Hendrick was given the Bill France Award of Excellence.

It was presented by Betty Jane France, widow of former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr., and Hendrick had to stop to compose himself while accepting the honor.

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Talk of Patrick's potential trumps the 'ifs' and 'whens'

There is still no clear timeline for a decision in the will-she-or-won't-she storyline surrounding Danica Patrick's possible foray into stock-car racing, but it hasn't stopped the conjecture about her potential impact.

Three weeks ago, there were reports that Patrick's arrival was imminent, but nothing has changed officially.

She remains a curiosity and her plans regarding NASCAR remain uncertain.

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Junior expected to bounce back

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is frustrated, angry, discouraged and disillusioned.

None of that surprises his Hendrick Motorsports team owner, Rick Hendrick.

And neither Hendrick nor team owner Richard Childress -- two people among the closest to Earnhardt -- believe the best of Earnhardt's Sprint Cup Series career is behind him.

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Keselowski still looking

Brad Keselowski's racing team for 2010 is still undecided.

The 25-year-old Keselowski hoped a recent meeting with team owner Rick Hendrick would answer some questions about where he would be racing next season. Keselowski wants a full-time ride next year, and he's optimistic he can stay affiliated with Hendrick Motorsports. He discussed several possibilities with Hendrick, though no final decision was reached.

"I have some preferences, but I haven't gotten very far with them," Keselowski said. "I'm not really close on anything."