Several NASCAR traditions and careers will end today

[The General]

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- More than just another NASCAR season ends today in the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In many ways, it's the end of an era as an entire fleet of cars becomes obsolete and several top drivers make their final starts with their current teams -- or, in the case of Ricky Rudd, his final start ever.

With the Car of Tomorrow becoming NASCAR's car of choice next season, teams soon will be holding garage sales.

For Chevrolet, which is branding its COT as an Impala, this is the last race under the Monte Carlo nameplate that has produced a record 396 wins since its introduction in 1971. It's also the last time in a Chevy for Joe Gibbs Racing, which is taking its business to Toyota.

The most prominent among the several drivers saying good-bye to their teams after today is Dale Earnhardt Jr., who makes his last start in the iconic red No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet before heading to Hendrick Motorsports.

"We've had such a great team that's run so strong but has little or nothing to show for it," said Earnhardt, who starts 13th hoping to avoid going winless for the first time in his eight Cup seasons. "Whether we go out with a whimper or a bang, we're going to do it together."

Rudd makes his 906th and final start in what also is the last race for Robert Yates Racing before Yates turns the team over to his son, Doug. Rudd, 51, leaves with 23 wins.

"This time I'm going to use the word retire because I know it's the right time," said Rudd, who returned this season after taking a year off. "I'm done. I'm looking forward to the next chapter."

Other drivers headed elsewhere include Kyle Busch, David Stremme, J.J. Yeley, Scott Riggs and Tony Raines.

Today's winner lays claim to being the last driver to go to victory lane in a Nextel Cup race. Sprint takes over as title sponsor in 2008.

Several NASCAR traditions and careers will end today | IndyStar.com