The Latest: Retiring Dale Jr. has engine issues in practice

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on NASCAR's championship weekend (all times local):

1:15 p.m.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran into problems in the first practice session of his final race weekend.

Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevrolet had engine problems that will require a new motor before NASCAR's season finale Sunday.

Earnhardt, who drives the Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, will retire after the Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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12:30 p.m.

Tony Stewart has enjoyed his first year of retirement.

The three-time NASCAR Cup champion kept busy running Stewart-Haas Racing and has driver Kevin Harvick racing for the championship Sunday.

Stewart has won championships as a driver and an owner at SHR.