HOMESTEAD, Fla.—NASCAR chairman Brian France wants Jimmie Johnson to be commended for his four-year run atop NASCAR and not used as an example of why the championship format might be flawed. Johnson heads into tomorrow’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway poised to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive titles, all under the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship format implemented in 2004. His dominance has made it easy for Chase critics to blast the system, which France called unfair.

Brian France defended NASCAR’s drug testing policy as the toughest in professional sports, despite a federal judge’s ruling that overturned driver Jeremy Mayfield’s suspension. Mayfield was indefinitely suspended May 9 for what NASCAR said was a positive test for methamphetamines. He sued to be reinstated, and a federal judge issued an injunction Wednesday that allowed Mayfield to return to competition based on Mayfield’s argument that NASCAR’s testing system is flawed.

The crowds have been thinner, television ratings are down and top manufacturers and sponsors face serious financial problems. The celebratory mood surrounding NASCAR’s All-Star race Saturday was tempered compared to years past. But NASCAR chairman Brian France remains optimistic—even as uncertainty looms with troubled automakers General Motors and Chrysler.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—NASCAR has settled a $225 million lawsuit filed by a former official who said she was subjected to racial discrimination and sexual harassment during her two-plus years working for the stock-car organization, The Associated Press has learned. The suit was settled during a Dec. 3 mediation held in New York between Mauricia Grant and NASCAR. Settlement terms were confidential.