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(AP) -- Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick are trying to rattle NASCAR points leader Denny Hamlin.

NASCAR put its three championship contenders on a podium Thursday to discuss their tight fight headed into the final race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

The three drivers initially seemed to have their guards up, staring straight ahead when the others spoke. But the mood quickly turned and it became apparent that Johnson and Harvick were intentionally trying to mess with Hamlin.

Each took verbal jabs at the current points leader in an obvious attempt to rattle him.

Hamlin has a 15-point lead over four-time defending champion Johnson, and Harvick is 46 points back going into Sunday's final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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