Auto racing: Jimmie Johnson wins Martinsville to gain spot in NASCAR’s finale

A slot in NASCAR’s record books is absolutely in reach for Jimmie Johnson.

Johnson earned one of four coveted spots in next month’s title-deciding season finale on Sunday when he scored his ninth career victory at Martinsville Speedway. The six-time NASCAR champion will race for his seventh championship, which would tie him for the all-time record with Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The victory blocked Joe Gibbs Racing from placing all four of Toyota drivers in the final round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup title. There are only three spots still open in the Nov. 20 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and JGR’s hope of sweeping the final four ended Sunday.

Most likely to miss the final? Carl Edwards, who had a tire problem and finished 36th at Martinsville.

Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton wins Mexican Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton survived a nervous start to win the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday, grabbing another victory he needs as he chases Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg for the Formula One season championship.

But with a 19-point deficit to Rosberg and just two races left, Hamilton is running out of time.

Rosberg finished second.

Hamilton started on pole position and held the front despite locking his wheels and cutting through the grass on the first corner. He recovered to hold position and drove off to grab his 51st career victory, tying Alain Prost for second most in F1 history.

Hamilton, the two-time defending champion, is keeping what pressure he can on Rosberg in the title chase. Rosberg can still win his first career championship if he gets a second and third-place finish in the final two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.