HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Mark Martin has lost to Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart — some of NASCAR’s greatest drivers — in his frustrating bid for an elusive championship.

Standing in his way now? Jimmie Johnson, who takes a 108-point lead over Martin into today’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Barring a total collapse, Johnson will be the one to send Martin to a fifth runner-up finish in the standings. In doing so, Johnson will become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships.

When Martin gets beat, it’s by the very best.

“I don’t know how this guy here hasn’t won a championship,” wondered Rick Hendrick, owner of both Johnson’s and Martin’s teams. "He has raced and finished second to some of the all-time greats when they were in their prime, from Jeff Gordon to Dale Earnhardt. Has anyone (else) ever raced against that many champions in their prime and finished second?

“He would have to be considered one of the all-time greats.”

And so begins that debate.

Busch takes title

Kyle Busch won the Nationwide Series championship Saturday. Busch needed only to start the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway to win his first NASCAR title. When the green flag dropped on the race, Busch was champ.

Busch has eight wins in the second-tier series and 11 second-place finishes. He entered the race with a 190-point lead over pole sitter Carl Edwards. Busch had led 2,625 laps entering the race. His championship could ease the sting from his failure to qualify for the Chase for the championship in the Sprint Cup series.