The SPRINT CUP BANQUET
New York City
December 5, 2008

(Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

DATES of each series Award Banquet

Friday, 12/5/2008: Sprint Cup - New York City

Saturday, 11/22/2008: Nationwide Series - Orlando, Fla

Monday, 11/17/2008: Truck Series - Hollywood, Fla

Television Coverage

12/5/2008: Sprint Cup Awards Banquet on ESPN Classic 9:00-12:00pm/et
12/8/2008: Sprint Cup Awards Banquet re-air 2:00 - 4:00pm/et on ESPN2

11/30/2008: Nationwide Series Awards, 12:00 - 1:00pm/et on ESPN2

12/8/2008: Truck Series - 9:00 pm on SPEED

Jump down to Driver Appearances

See below for some past news, such as No Parade in NYC in 2008

INFO LINK: NASCAR.com - championship week page

News/Events - newest at the top

2008 Season Winnings

Driver	Race winnings	NASCAR/Sprint	Special awards	Total
1. Jimmie Johnson	$7,354,861	$7,225,603	$590,000	$15,170,464
2. Carl Edwards	$8,095,200	$3,094,010	$175,000	$11,364,210
3. Greg Biffle	$4,906,164	$2,338,324	0	$7,244,488
4. Kevin Harvick	$5,603,654	$2,015,796	0	$7,619,450
5. Clint Bowyer	$4,514,595	$1,773,901	0	$6,288,496
6. Jeff Burton	$5,542,181	$1,612,637	$111,312	$7,266,130
7. Jeff Gordon	$5,944,145	$1,451,373	0	$7,395,518
8. Denny Hamlin	$5,494,359	$1,419,121	0	$6,913,480
9. Tony Stewart	$6,268,432	$1,368,868	0	$7,665,300
10. Kyle Busch	$6,617,595	$1,544,615	$114,515	$8,276,725
11. Matt Kenseth	$5,526,955	$967,528	0	$6,494,526
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr.	$4,611,290	$838,571	0	$5,449,861
13. David Ragan	$3,980,813	$806,000	0	$4,786,813
14. Kasey Kahne	$6,272,459	$757,460	0	$7,030,099
15. Martin Truex Jr.	$4,663,447	$725,400	0	$5,388,847
16. Jamie McMurray	$4,056,446	$693,160	0	$4,749,606
17. Ryan Newman	$6,179,561	$660,920	$100,000	$6,940,481
18. Kurt Busch	$4,469,511	$628,680	0	$5,098,191
19. Brian Vickers	$3,630,340	$588,380	0	$4,218,720
20. Casey Mears	$3,941,470	$451,360	0	$4,392,830
21. Bobby Labonte	$4,668,831	$306,280	0	$4,975,111
22. David Reutimann	$3,341,320	$145,080	0	$3,486,310
23. Travis Kvapil	$4,250,752	$274,040	0	$4,524,792
24. Elliott Sadler	$4,446,243	$257,920	0	$4,724,163
25. Juan Pablo Montoya	$4,409,363	$241,800	0	$4,651,163

Note: Mark Martin ($275,920) and Aric Almirola ($128,960) shared the #8 team's share of points money;
Scott Speed got $8,060 for driving one race in the #83 Toyota driven in the remaining races by Brian Vickers.

Special awards list
Award	Money	Driver
Coors Light Pole Award	$100,000	Jimmie Johnson
Mahle Clevite Engine Builder Award	$100,000	Jimmie Johnson
Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew	$100,000	Jimmie Johnson
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award	$100,000	Jimmie Johnson
Goodyear Gatorback Fastest Lap Award	$75,000	Jimmie Johnson
Wix Filters Lap Leader Award	$75,000	Jimmie Johnson
Goodyear Tires Award	$40,000	Jimmie Johnson
Dow Strategic Call of the Race Award	$100,000	Carl Edwards
Moog Chassis Parts Problem Solver Award	$75,000	Carl Edwards
USG Improving the Finish Award	$111,312	Jeff Burton
DirecTV Crew Chief of the Race Award	$114,515	Kyle Busch
Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award	$75,000	Regan Smith
Mobil 1 Oil Driver of the Race Award	$100,000	Ryan Newman

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson was presented the champion's ring by surprise guest and fellow three-time champion Cale Yarborough at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City on Friday. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Yarborough Surprises Johnson With Ring Presentation: Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough made an unannounced appearance tonight at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. Followed by a rousing standing ovation, Yarborough presented the championship ring to 2008 series champion Jimmie Johnson during this year’s annual ceremony. The two champions will be forever linked in NASCAR lore. This season, Johnson joined Yarborough as the only drivers to win three consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships. Yarborough accomplished the historic feat from 1976-78. During Yarborough’s incredible three-year stretch, he posted 28 wins, 70 top-five and 74 top-10 finishes.
"Somebody finally did it,” Yarborough said. “I set a pretty good record, didn't I? It took them 30 years to tie it. There are only two of us who have done it in the 60 years of the sport. That's a pretty good accomplishment. You know, I haven't been to this banquet in several years, but tonight I feel like I got my racing spirit back. You know, all he really did is tie the record – he still has to break it. He still has some work to do. I want to congratulate Jimmie; he's a great man and a great racer. I know he's going to win some more championships. Maybe he can skip a year though."
Yarborough’s famous swagger continues to this day. During his speech, he told team owner Rick Hendrick that if there was a ride open in his stable, he could have the first 70-year-old series champion. Yarborough turns 70 next March. Johnson matched Yarborough’s record with another typically brilliant performance. In 2008, Johnson had seven wins, 15 top fives and 22 top 10s. "What a surprise and what an honor to have Cale present me with the championship ring,” Johnson said. “I'm pretty much floored.”
The Yarborough ring presentation was the culmination of a night filled with memory-making moments. Earlier in the program, Betty Jane France – widow of former NASCAR Chairman and CEO Bill France Jr. – introduced Academy Award winning actor Kevin Costner, who made some remarks commemorating the 60th anniversary season of NASCAR. Costner was later joined on stage by seven-time champion Richard Petty, who spoke on the impact NASCAR has had on his life and the tremendous growth of the sport. Also in attendance was Academy Award nominee Tom Cruise, who played Cole Trickle in the NASCAR-themed film Days of Thunder.(NASCAR PR)(12-6-2008)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Banquet on ESPN Classic: Surrounded by the glitz and glamour of New York City, Jimmie Johnson will officially be crowned as the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion during the series’ annual awards banquet Friday night, Dec. 5, at the Waldorf-Astoria. ESPN Classic will have live coverage at 9:00pm/et. In addition to Johnson and the Hendrick Motorsports team, the rest of the top 10 NASCAR drivers of the season also will be honored. The banquet will feature a musical performance by Matchbox 20, stand-up comedy from John Pinette and a special historical segment with actor Kevin Costner. Dr. Jerry Punch, lead announcer for ESPN’s NASCAR racing coverage, will be the onstage master of ceremonies for the banquet. The banquet re-airs on Monday, Dec. 8, at 2:00pm/et on ESPN2.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week – Day 5: A busy week in New York City culminated Friday evening with the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel. Jimmie Johnson, who etched his name in the NASCAR record books by becoming only the second driver in the sport’s history to win three consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, was officially coronated as the 2008 series titlist. The #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet team relished in the spotlight Friday afternoon, posing for dozens of photographs with Johnson and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Trophy. It’s a ritual that Johnson says he looks forward to continuing in 2009 and beyond. “Yes, I want to win a fourth championship,” said Johnson, who along with Cale Yarborough is the only NASCAR driver to ever win three straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series titles. “Right now, I’m just part of history. I’d love to make history. I’m not pulling a Babe Ruth and pointing over the outfield fence and saying I’m going to hit it over here, but yeah, I want to win a fourth championship. We’ll see.”
Team owner Rick Hendrick, whose teams have won eight series championships, says the chemistry on the No. 48 team has helped provide a winning combination. “There’s a lot of talent on that team, but the thing that really impresses me is how well they work together toward achieving the common goal of winning a championship,” said Hendrick. “They stay motivated and have that “refuse to lose” mentality. For the most part, the team has remained intact from the inception and the consistency has been a real plus in helping them get to the level they are today.”
Johnson’s wife, Chandra, says it’s amazing to see how passionate her husband is about his work. “Jimmie loves what he does for a living and that’s a real blessing,” said Chandra. “The passion he has for driving that race car is unbelievable.”
Friday night’s awards ceremony not only recognized Johnson and his championship team, it also featured the remaining top 10 drivers from the 2008 season, including Kyle Busch (10th); Tony Stewart (9th); Denny Hamlin (8th); Jeff Gordon (7th); Jeff Burton (6th); Clint Bowyer (5th); Kevin Harvick (4th); Greg Biffle (3rd); and Carl Edwards (2nd).
Actor and film director Kevin Costner made some remarks during the banquet regarding NASCAR’s recently completed 60th anniversary season and was joined at the podium by seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty. The musical group Matchbox 20 performed and comedian John Pinette also entertained the audience.(NASCAR PR)(12-5-2008)
Most Popular Driver = Dale Jr.: NASCAR fans across the nation have once again made a statement about their favorite driver. After tallying over one million votes, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the recipient of the 2008 NASCAR NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver Award. Throughout the race season, fans voted daily for over 40 of their favorite drivers online at chexmostpopulardriver.com. Earnhardt Jr. was presented with the award at the National Motorsports Press Association's Myers Brothers Media Luncheon in New York City on Dec 4th. The award is Earnhardt Jr.'s sixth consecutive win since 2003. Only Bill Elliott (1991-2000) has more consecutive wins. The NASCAR NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver Award has been given annually since 1956 and today is the only award for NASCAR's top drivers given by the fans. The six wins by Earnhardt Jr. moved him past Bobby Allison and now only behind Richard Petty (9) and Bill Elliott (16) for most total awards. "I've been fortunate enough to win this award now for the sixth time, and I can tell you it never gets old." said Earnhardt Jr. "I've said it many times before that this award is special because it's the voice of the fans. I think back to over a year ago when I made the decision to go to Hendrick Motorsports, and my biggest concern was whether the fans would support my decision." continued Earnhardt Jr. "They did, and I will always be grateful for that. I appreciate everyone who voted, and I want to thank Chex and the National Motorsports Press Association for all they do for the sport."
"The fans have spoken, and it's obvious that Dale Earnhardt Jr. truly is amongst the elite of fans' support," said Tom Jensen, President of the National Motorsports Press Association. "He deserves this award, and we're thankful for all the fans who continue to vote and make this award a rich part of our sports history." The NASCAR NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver Award is recognized as one of the sport's pioneering awards.
Drivers first voted amongst themselves for a winner before fans later voted on the winner. The top 10 drivers receiving the most votes in alphabetical order were Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip.(DalrJr.com)(12-6-2008)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week – Day 4: The top performers from the recently completed 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season were honored Thursday at the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon at Cipriani in New York City. Bob Bahre, long a champion promoter and supporter of stock-car racing in the New England region, collected one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and longest-running awards, as the former owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, received the Buddy Shuman Award. Presented since 1957, the award annually recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to NASCAR racing. “We might have built the thing, but it’s been the fans and drivers who have made it what it is today,” Bahre said.
Longtime NASCAR photographer Thomas Taylor Warren, affectionately known to the motorsports community as “T. Taylor,” is the recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award for 2008. Warren was recognized for a lifetime achievement in NASCAR photography. Accepting on behalf of Warren, who died on Oct. 8 at the age of 83, was NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications, Jim Hunter. “T. Taylor was a true pioneer in NASCAR photography,” Hunter said. “He may no longer be with us, but his photographs will live forever.”
Team owner Richard Childress was the recipient of the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. Childress recently helped fund the establishment of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest University’s Baptist Medical Center. “This is an important cause that we really believe in,” Childress said. “More than 12,000 children die each year from traumatic accidents. We’re committed to do all we can to help make life better for some of these children.”
For the sixth straight year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Chex Cereals Most Popular Driver Award. More than 1.2 million fan votes were cast for Earnhardt Jr. “It’s a great honor to be chosen by the fans once again,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “NASCAR fans are the best in all of sports and we’re fortunate to have a large group of fans that have been extremely loyal to us over the years.”
Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson picked up five awards and his #48 Hendrick Motorsports team received three other awards. “Today was an opportunity to reflect back on all of the hard work and effort put in by everyone at the race shop,” Johnson said. “The emotions kind of go over the top when you take a moment and realize just how special each of these individuals have been in sharing in the success we’ve had the past three seasons.”
Here is the complete list of Thursday’s award winners:
* Buddy Shuman Award – Bob Bahre
* NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award – Richard Childress
* NMPA Myers Brothers Award – Thomas Taylor Warren
* Chex Cereals Most Popular Driver Award – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
* Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award – Regan Smith
* DirecTV Crew Chief of the Year Award – Steve Addington
* Dow Automotive Strategic Call of the Race Award – Carl Edwards
* Moog Chassis Parts Problem Solver of the Year Award – Bob Osborne
* MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award – Hendrick Motorsports
* Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Award – #48 team
* Mobil 1 Command Performance Award – Ryan Newman
* USG Improving the Finish Award – Jeff Burton
* Goodyear Gatorback Fastest Lap Award – Jimmie Johnson
* WIX Filters Lap Leader Award – Jimmie Johnson
* Coors Light Pole Award – Jimmie Johnson
* Sunoco Diamond Performance Award – Jimmie Johnson
* Goodyear Award – Jimmie Johnson
* Championship Sponsor Award – Lowe’s
* Champion Crew Chief Award – Chad Knaus
(NASCAR PR)(12-4-2008)

Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus pose with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy in Central Park in front of the New York City skyline. (Photo Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week – Day 3: Day Three of Champions Week was a busy one indeed for three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson. Johnson got an early start in the morning, by ringing the New York Stock Exchange’s Opening Bell, in what has become an annual tradition for the series champion. Following an appearance at the Tissot Countdown Clock event at the Marquee of the Hard Rock Café, Johnson attended the March of Dimes Luncheon at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel, where he was the recipient of the organization’s Sportsman of the Year Award.
Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and team owner Rick Hendrick later attended a media luncheon at Foley’s Pub and Restaurant, where more than 40 New York City and Northeast region media visited with and interviewed the three key components of this year’s No. 48 championship team. A host of NASCAR fans from the area were also in attendance, as Johnson posed for photographs and signed autographs for the faithful. 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raysbestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith was also recognized at the luncheon.
“It (winning three straight championships) is starting to sink in some,” said Johnson, who joins Cale Yarborough as the only NASCAR drivers to ever win three consecutive titles. “I probably won’t realize just how special this run’s been until I retire one day. I can tell you that we’re already looking ahead to next season, and doing all we can to win another championship. I can remember I was up in our transporter at Texas late in the season and Chad (Knaus) was already studying some computer data regarding next year’s Daytona 500 car.”
Hendrick, who won his eighth team championship this season, says the accomplishments of the No. 48 team have been extraordinary. “The work and dedication from this race team have been second to none,” said Hendrick. “To win three straight championships in a sport as competitive as NASCAR is really extra special.” Knaus applauded the leadership Hendrick provides to the entire organization. “To win three in a row is a real tribute to the leadership “Mr. H” provides our team,” said Knaus, who becomes the first crew chief in NASCAR history to win three straight championships. “He’s such a special person in my life.” Smith, a native of Upstate New York, said winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award was a “tremendous honor.” “Being able to celebrate this award in my home state is really a big deal,” said Smith. “This is actually my first trip to New York City and I know it’s going to be an awesome experience.”
Thursday – Johnson’s major event this day is the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon at Cipriani. He’ll be joined by the rest of the top 12 drivers in the 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith and other annual award winners. Following the awards luncheon, Johnson will participate in the traditional Times Square photo shoot outside the Hard Rock Café, then attend the annual Stewie Awards, orchestrated by fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio studios.
Friday – The Big Day. Johnson, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony that evening in the Waldorf=Astoria’s Grand Ballroom.(NASCAR PR)(12-3-2008)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week - Day 2: Jimmie Johnson visited one of New York City’s most famous landmarks – Central Park – for a photo shoot Tuesday, as the first full day of Champions Week activities unfolded. Among the photos taken were Johnson in front of Wollman Rink, one of two ice skating rinks in Central Park and one of him on a bridge overlooking The Pond in Central Park. Johnson also plans to have his photo taken Thursday afternoon at the intersection of 48th and 3rd Streets, signifying Johnson’s No. 48 team winning its third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.
“We took some cool photos in Central Park; I think those photos are going to be amazing,” said Johnson, who has an apartment in the Chelsea section of New York City. “I like to go running in Central Park when we’re in town and it’s always a good cut through when you’re on the East Side and have to go over to the West Side or Columbus Circle, so I spend a lot of time in Central Park.”
Earlier in the day, Johnson visited two of the country’s most highly regarded news organizations – the New York Times and Associated Press. At both offices, Johnson met with print and online editors, discussing topics ranging from his record-tying third straight series championship, the type of physical and mental preparation he undergoes each week, how the team analyzes the video, audio and computer data that is available in helping them prepare for each race, the suspension of the testing policy for 2009, the challenges the current state of the economy is posing to the sport, and how he studies other drivers’ styles to help make himself better. Championship crew chief Chad Knaus accompanied Johnson on the Associated Press visit.
Later Tuesday afternoon, Johnson participated in a Satellite Media Tour, taping interviews with affiliates from more than 10 of the country’s top television markets. Tuesday night he was scheduled to appear on Motor Racing Network’s NASCAR Live national radio program.(NASCAR PR)(12-2-2008)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week - Day 1: Jimmie Johnson has been there before - the past two years to be exact - but celebrating his third straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship on the biggest media stage in the world is certainly something the driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet is looking forward to. For the third straight year, Johnson and his team will be taking New York City by storm, participating in national media events and making a host of special appearances leading up to Friday night's annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony (ESPN Classic will televise beginning at 9 p.m.) at the Waldorf=Astoria. Johnson says celebrating championships in the Big Apple never gets old.
"Champions Week in New York City is always an amazing time," said Johnson, who joins Cale Yarborough as the only NASCAR driver to win three straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series titles. "It's fun to celebrate everything we've done this year as a team and really let loose and have some fun. Everyone works extremely hard year-round to make us one of the best teams in the garage, so it's nice to have some time to reflect on what we've done and enjoy some of the recognition."
Johnson arrived in New York Monday afternoon. That evening, he and his wife, Chandra, were scheduled to participate in the annual Champion's Welcome Dinner in the Waldorf=Astoria Executive Kitchen, a gathering attended by NASCAR, Sprint and championship team representatives and overseen by Executive Chef John Doherty.(NASCAR PR)(12-1-2008)
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week Preview
Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will be the centerpiece of next week’s annual Champions Week celebration in New York City – a busy and joyful five days that marks the traditional end of each season.

Johnson, who captured his third consecutive title two weeks ago in the series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is the first driver in 30 years to win three consecutive series titles. He joins NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough as the only two drivers to accomplish that feat. Yarborough won his titles in 1976-78.

Next week’s festivities mark the 28th consecutive year that NASCAR has crowned its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion in New York. The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel has served as the sport’s host for each of those years, with its historic Grand Ballroom the site of the Dec. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.

Johnson, however, will have much to do before Champions Week culminates on that Friday night.

Monday – Johnson and wife Chandra arrive in New York. That evening, he and Chandra will participate in the annual Champion’s Welcome Dinner in the Waldorf=Astoria Executive Kitchen, a gathering attended by NASCAR and champion team representatives and overseen by Executive Chef John Doherty.

Tuesday – Johnson will participate in another Champions Week tradition – photo shoots at New York landmarks. Later that evening, he’ll be a guest on Motor Racing Network’s NASCAR Live.

Wednesday – Johnson begins his day by ringing the New York Stock Exchange’s Opening Bell. He’ll also attend the Tissot Countdown Clock event at the Marquee of the Hard Rock Café, a March of Dimes luncheon, a media luncheon at Foley’s and the Sprint Media Celebration at the Sports Museum of America. “The Tissot Official Countdown Clock to Champion’s Week.” Jimmie Johnson along with Mike Helton and, Tissot U.S. Brand Manager Sharon Buntain will all flip the switch to begin the countdown to Champions Week atop the Hard Rock Café marquee in Times Square on Wednesday, December 3 at 10:30am, at the Hard Rock Café – 7th Ave. and 43rd.

Thursday – Johnson’s major event this day is the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon at Cipriani. He’ll be joined by the rest of the top 12 drivers in the 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith and other annual award winners. Following the awards luncheon, Johnson will participate in the traditional Times Square photo shoot outside the Hard Rock Café, then attend the annual Stewies Awards, orchestrated by fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio studios. Tissot continues its strong affiliation to NASCAR and the world of motorsports. During the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers 2008 Media Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street on Thursday, December 4th, Tissot will award its highly praised tactile technology watch, the T-Touch Expert, to the top 12 NASCAR Cup Series drivers.

Friday – The Big Day. Johnson, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony that evening in the Waldorf=Astoria’s Grand Ballroom.

2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week Media Highlights:

Wednesday, Dec. 3: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson rings the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange at 9 a.m.

Johnson at the Tissot Countdown Clock event at the Marquee at the Hard Rock Café (from 10:30-11 a.m.).

Thursday, Dec. 4: 2008 NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon at Cipriani (11 a.m. until 2 p.m.) The top 12 drivers in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith and the Home Depot Humanitarian Award winner will be available to the media from 2-2:30 p.m.

Johnson at the Stewies Awards at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio studios from 6-6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5: 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in the Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel (7-10:30 p.m.). The top 10 drivers and other award winners will be available following the presentation of their awards outside the ballroom in a designated area.(NASCAR PR)(11-26-2008)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week in New York City will be held this year December 2-6, 2008 with many FREE events throughout New York City:

---Join the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and Tissot when they officially start the festivities atop the Hard Rock Café Marquee in Times Square on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10:30 a.m. Events include:

Aflac Pit Stop Tour: Brings the sights and sounds of Pit Road to the streets of New York City. Official partner show cars will be stationed throughout Manhattan at key commuter and tourist destinations and Official Partner retail locations. (Dec. 2nd - 6th)
Overview:
• Official Partner show cars are stationed at five(5) high traffic locations throughout Manhattan
• Brand Ambassadors distribute premium items and Partner message points to thousands of fans over a 5-day period: Dec. 2nd – Dec. 6th
• Interactive activities and data capture components at each Pit Stop location
• Aflac Pit Stop Tour “scavenger hunt” originating in Times Square to drive fans to each Pit Stop for a chance to win prizes and VIP experiences
• Tissot will also have branding presence at Aflac Fan Fest, the Aflac Pit Stop Tour and NASCAR Tailgate City driven by Ford.

Locations:
• Hard Rock Café: 7th Ave. and 43rd
• Madison Square Garden/Penn Station: 7th Ave. and 31st
• SIRIUS XM Radio Headquarters: 6th Ave. btw 48th & 49th
• Tourneau Atrium: Indoor space - Madison Ave. & 56th
• M&M’s World: Broadway and 46th

Aflac Fan Fest: The ultimate 3-day free NASCAR fan experience takes over the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Event features continuous stage programming, Sirius Satellite Radio live remote, NASCAR driver appearances, non-stop activities, contests, and prizes. (Dec. 4th – 6th)
• Second-annual indoor fan event at the Hard Rock Café
• 7th Avenue and 43rd Street – Times Square
• December 4th – 6th from 12:00pm – 8:00pm*
• Features interactive games, prizes, continual stage programming and more!
• NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver appearances
• Pit Crew “chalk talks”
• SIRIUS XM Radio hosting live remotes
Special Thursday night (9p.m. - 11p.m.) concert featuring Gavin DeGraw - Tickets are free and will be distributed through Z100 radio, and all day at the Aflac Fan Fest.

NASCAR Tailgate City driven by Ford: A NASCAR “Block Party” in the heart of Times Square. Featuring Ford and Partner branded at-track experiences, continuous live music from the Ford Sound Stage, tailgate food, drinks and games! (Dec. 4th)
• NASCAR block party on 43rd street in Times Square between 7th and 8th Ave
• December 4th from 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Features:
• Ford Sound Stage with continuous music and entertainment
• Special presentations in support of Buckle Up America
• NASCAR Street Tour
• Food and drink served with a tailgating flare
• We are planning on having NASCAR drivers attend
• Race simulators, show cars, obstacle courses, tailgating games, and more!
• NASCAR Street Tour: Two tricked-out NASCAR themed Ford vehicles tour Manhattan and the Tri-State area prior to and throughout Champions Week inviting fans to join the festivities. (Nov. 30th - Dec. 6th)

Other Driver Appearances
Macy’s celebrates NASCAR’s Champions Week with Dale Jr. and Godinger Silver Company: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., five-time Most Popular Driver of NASCAR is scheduled to be at Macy’s in New York City on December 4th to meet and greet with fans and support the new Godinger NASCAR collection line of crystal and silver gifts and barware. The line of products features both the #88 National Guard and #88 Amp cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr in 2008. To have the opportunity to meet Dale Jr, fans can be one of the first 100 customers to purchase $150 or more of the NASCAR Collection beginning at the store opening on December 4th for the chance to have your picture taken with the 18-time race winner. Or be one of the first 50 customers to purchase $75 or more to qualify for a signed autograph photo of Dale Jr. That’s Thursday, December 4 at 5:00pm at Macy’s Herald Square, in the Crystal Dept. on 8 during Champions Week in New York City. Visit www.Macys.com or www.Godinger.com.(12-1-2008)
Jeff Burton Appearance in New York City: To celebrate Jeff Burton’s third consecutive year in the Chase for the Cup, AT&T is scheduled to be hosting a Jeff Burton appearance at their New York City store located at 209 West 34th Street on Friday, December 5th from 10am – 11am.

also see my Driver Appearances page

Some Past News
Watkins Glen International will partake in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week on Thursday, December 4th. The historic road course will host displays at the NASCAR Tailgate City in Times Square and as part of the Aflac Fan Fest in the Hard Rock Café New York. The Glen will welcome the Sprint Cup Series for the 23rd straight year August 6-9, 2009, and continues to be the only venue to host NASCAR’s top series in New York State.
Fans looking for interactive experiences, information about the events at WGI, and chances to win great prizes need to visit both of The Glen’s displays. The first display will be located in the NASCAR Tailgate City which is an outdoor “block party” on 43rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue in Times Square. The display will be the site to get the most up-to-date information about The Glen from WGI staff members and will feature a pit road challenge. Fans will get the chance to experience first-hand what it is like to change a tire during a pit stop on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. All participants will be timed with the fastest changers winning great prizes from WGI. The NASCAR Tailgate City display will be open to fans from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The second display will be located at the Aflac Fan Fest inside the Hard Rock Café New York in Times Square at 43rd Street and Broadway. Fans will once again be given the opportunity to gather information about The Glen from WGI staff members and have the chance to win great prizes by spinning a prize wheel. Prizes at both displays include gift certificates towards race tickets, WGI merchandise, and much more. The Aflac Fan Fest display will be open to fans from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Admission to both the NASCAR Tailgate Zone and Aflac Fan Fest is free for all fans. The NASCAR Tailgate City is open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 4th only and the Aflac Fan Fest will be open 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Thursday, December 4 thru Saturday, December 6. Tickets for the entire 2009 season are on sale now! For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official Watkins Glen website at www.TheGlen.com. Tickets, gift certificates and track merchandise can be all purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen-Open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, Closed Sunday; 607-535-2338.(11-25-2008)
No Parade in NYC in 2008: For the last four years, NASCAR has staged a “victory lap” in the middle of Manhattan a couple of days prior to its Cup awards banquet. It was an incredible sight for some – fans lined the sidewalks to see the top 10 Cup drivers wheel their cars on the streets around and about the Times Square area. “After several years, it’s a wrap,” NASCAR Vice President Jim Hunter said Friday. “I think we needed something new. We’re doing some things, some additional promotions that we partnered up with Sprint. There’s going to be billboards, additional signage, fan participation and those kind of things. It’s going to be good.” The parade of stock cars took an incredible amount of planning and cost, and NASCAR and Sprint are looking at other ways to engage fans during its championship week. Plans are still being finalized. “There’s no way you could realize the work that our people put in to doing a parade in New York,” Hunter said. “When you think of normal traffic in New York, there’s nothing normal about it. We’ll do some other things.”
The Sprint Cup banquet this year is scheduled for Dec. 5, and both NASCAR and Sprint officials said the absence of the lap around the city won’t mean NASCAR won’t have a New York presence during that week. “We are committed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week and will continue to ensure it will be a highlight on the calendar,” said Steve Gaffney, director of sports and entertainment marketing for Sprint. “In conjunction with NASCAR, we are always looking for ways to improve activities and keep them fresh for the fans. We hope to have some final decisions in the near future.”
Hunter also reiterated that this was not a sign that NASCAR wasn’t committed to staging its end-of-year celebration in the nation’s biggest city. “Our fans responded very well [to the victory lap],” Hunter said. “The crowd grew over the years. More and more people were aware of when we were in New York as a result of the parade. ... These new programs and having Sprint partnered up with us will make a big difference. What we’re trying to do is grow the base in New York. It’s a fitting end to the season, that time of year in New York.”(SceneDaily)(9-14-2008)
NASCAR Schedules National Series Awards Shows: NASCAR announced the lineup for its three top series’ 2008 postseason awards shows, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony’s return to the Waldorf=Astoria hotel in New York City. The Dec. 5 Waldorf event will continue a tradition begun in 1981 for NASCAR’s premier series. The event will be held in the Waldorf’s Grand Ballroom. Television broadcast information will be announced at a later date. This lineup is a change from recent seasons, when the NASCAR Nationwide Series was the finale. This year, that event will preface the New York show. The rundown follows:
• Nov. 17: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series; Seminole Hard Rock; Hollywood, Fla.
• Nov. 22: NASCAR Nationwide Series; Portofino Bay Hotel; Orlando, Fla.
• Dec. 5: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series; Waldorf=Astoria; New York.(NASCAR PR)(5-9-2008)

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The SPRINT CUP BANQUETNew York CityDecember 5, 2008

2008 Season Winnings

Other Driver Appearances

Some Past News

The SPRINT CUP BANQUET
New York City
December 5, 2008