Things aren't always as they seem, as evidenced by Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen. Jeff Gordon, of all drivers, certainly seemed like a safe bet to capture the flag when leading the race with only two laps to go.

But the NEXTEL points leader spun out sans contact, opening the door for Tony Stewart to net his third Cup victory in four races. With his eventual ninth-place finish, Gordon did clinch a spot in the Chase—which culminates with Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 16-18—but that didn’t lift the shroud.

"Just stupid," Gordon told reporters post-race. “What happened is the team deserved to win, and the driver didn't get it done. I'm just disappointed.”

Gordon still is sitting pretty as we look to November’s NEXTEL Cup finale in South Florida, but think he’d be interested in a little insurance on that spot at Homestead-Miami? Well, coming in September, Ford Championship Weekend ticket-holders will not only be able to sit pretty but also secure—courtesy of the “Event Ticket Protector” that will cover ticket costs for fans unable to attend a race due to unforeseen circumstances.

For an estimated fee of $6.25, fans will be protected against last-minute occurrences that can cause a change in plans—including medical issues, traffic accidents, jury duty and employment termination. Ticket buyers unable to attend the finale at Homestead-Miami due to insured events will be compensated for the cost of the ticket, including taxes and shipping fees. The coverage also will be available retroactively to those fans who already have purchased tickets.

This option—scheduled to become available in early September—is the result of a partnership between International Speedway Corporation—owner/operator of 13 of the nation’s top tracks (including Homestead-Miami)—and travel-insurance outfit World Access.

“We can offer fans additional peace of mind with their ticket purchases,” said Roger VanDerSnick, ISC senior VP of Marketing and Business Operations. “Unfortunately, unexpected situations arise and often result in a change of plans.”

…As can mother nature. Event Ticket Protector also will cover fans if a race is postponed due to inclement weather, and the insured fan is forced to miss the rescheduled race because of work commitments. Then again, for fans who do have a little flexibility…

“What better place to be in mid-November than South Florida?” said Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray. “We’d love to host you all week. Between the championship-crowning races, celebrity golf and fishing tournaments, and the unrivaled South Florida restaurants and nightlife, we’ve got enough entertainment and warm sunshine to keep you happy all winter.”

Tickets for Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 16-18) are on sale now. The Ford 200/Craftsman Truck race is set for Friday and the Ford 300/Busch on Saturday; the weekend culminates with Sunday’s Ford 400—the final race in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.

In addition to the races, Ford Championship Weekend includes the Ford Racefest extravaganza—featuring live concerts, interactive exhibits, NASCAR drivers and the NEXTEL Cup trophy on display—the Homestead-Miami Speedway Celebrity Golf Classic, the Hot Rods & Reels fishing tournament and Ford’s “Bailando Por La Copa” (“Dancing for the Cup”) salsa finals.

For tickets, please call (866) 409-RACE or visit www.Racetickets.com. For information on all Homestead-Miami Speedway events—including group sales and private track rental—please visit www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com.