NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick skipped Sunday's season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to be with an ailing family member, while one of his drivers -- Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin -- battle for the Sprint Cup Series championship.

Hendrick's niece, Alesha Gainey, 29, is listed in critical condition at a North Carolina hospital, as she is scheduled to undergo an emergency liver transplant. Gainey is the daughter of John Hendrick, who was one of 10 people killed in a plane crash near Martinsville, VA in October 2004.

"Rick's priority at this point is supporting his family," Hendrick Motorsports general manager Marshall Carlson said prior to the 400-mile race at Homestead. "He wishes he could be here. He's so proud of his teams but needs to be with his niece and her family."

Hendrick's guaranteed ninth owner championship will place him in a tie with Petty Enterprises for most all-time in the Cup Series. He also will surpass Richard Childress for most owner titles combined in NASCAR's three national touring series with 12.

Johnson is attempting to become the first driver to capture four consecutive Cup championships, while Martin is seeking to become the oldest driver to win a series title at age 50. Johnson held a 108-point lead over Martin before the start of the race.