Johnson crowned Nascar champion

Johnson pulled back a big points deficit to retain his title

Jimmie Johnson has been crowned Nascar champion for the second year in a row after the final race of the season at Homestead in Florida on Sunday.

Johnson won America's most popular motorsport event when he came home seventh, to finish the season 77 points ahead of nearest rival Jeff Gordon.

"We're just hitting our stride, there's a lot of good years ahead of us and hopefully a third title," he said.

Matt Kenseth won Sunday's race, ahead of Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin.

Going into the final race of the season, Hendrick Motorsports driver Johnson had such a commanding lead over team-mate Gordon that even if the four-time champion had won the race, Johnson only needed to finish 19th to retain his title.

In the event, Gordon could only manage fourth place, and despite having conceded a 68-point championship lead to his rival, he was gracious in defeat.

"They got the wins at crucial times and they beat us - that is the bottom line," said Gordon.

"It is always about risk versus reward but other than a bit more of an aggressive approach in the car set up, I am not sure what more we can do on the track."