The Latest: NASCAR says ‘everything in play’ as changes loom

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on NASCAR’s Cup Series championship (all times local):

12 p.m.

Jimmie Johnson is fresh-faced for his farewell race with crew chief Chad Knaus.

Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR champion, surprised the sport when he showed up at Homestead-Miami Speedway clean shaven for the first time in nearly a dozen years. Johnson tweeted a photo of a razor with the caption, “I’m all in for the throwback weekend!” Johnson, a fitness freak, looked about as baby-faced as he did as a rookie in 2002. It’s part of a throwback weekend that honors his history with Knaus and sponsor Lowe’s. Johnson has been paired with both for 17 years, but he’s splitting from his crew chief next season and Lowe’s is leaving NASCAR.

The 43-year-old Johnson is facing his first winless season in 17 seasons.

NASCAR poked fun at Johnson’s retro look with a tweet that said, “2002 called, it wants its look back.”

Johnson’s salt-and-pepper beard does remain, however, at least on the official emoji on his Twitter feed.

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