2010 Season Winnings

December 3 - 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: For the second-consecutive year, Las Vegas hosts the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, culminating with Friday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas. SPEED, SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio and MRN Radio will broadcast the event, live at 9:00pm/et. The big show crowns the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner and honoring the other drivers who finished in the top 10 in the final series standings. The star-studded entertainment lineup for the ceremony includes country rockers Rascal Flatts, comedic host Frank Caliendo, country singer Martina McBride, singer Colbie Caillat and a performance from the Las Vegas show “Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil.” A Sam Bass custom designed Gibson Les Paul guitar being played by Rascal Flatts and signed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers and the band will be auctioned to support the NASCAR Foundation beginning Friday, Dec. 3 at www.NASCARFoundation.com.(12-3-2010)

NASCAR Victory Lap - December 2 / 3:00PM – 4:00PM: NASCAR Victory Lap, featuring the top 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers from the 2010 season, will once again provide fans a unique experience on Las Vegas Boulevard. NASCAR Victory Lap will start at Miracle Mile Shops, providing fans a viewing area to see the drivers up close and personal and experience the traditional feel of a NASCAR start line. The cars will travel north on Las Vegas Blvd, where at the Spring Mountain Road intersection, the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion will perform a celebratory burnout in front of fans as well as drivers 2 through 12 performing donuts around the turn. As the procession heads south, each driver will perform an authentic pit stop in front of the Bellagio Fountain. The procession will continue south to the East Harmon Ave intersection where all 12 drivers will perform a donut for the fans in attendance as they make the final turn onto East Harmon Ave and head towards the finish line. As the vehicles make the final turn onto East Harmon Ave they will head towards the finish line at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. For fans attending NASCAR After the Lap, the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will be the best location to view both events. NASCAR Victory Lap pre-event festivities begin at 3:00PM with NASCAR Victory Lap starting at 3:30PM.(NASCAR)(12-1-2010)

December 2 | 11:00AM – 1:15PM: The NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon takes place annually during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week celebration. This year at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino Ballroom in Las Vegas. All contingency awards from the 2010 season will be presented, along with industry standards such as the Buddy Shuman Award and the Myers Brothers Award, both lifetime achievement honors. Also awarded will be the NASCAR Raybestos Rookie of the Year and the Hamburger Helper Most Popular Driver Award.(NASCAR(12-1-2010)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week – Day 4: Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus are proof enough that practice truly does make perfect. Their demeanor the entire week was one of cool calm, mirroring their machine-like professionalism at the race track. A packed agenda did little to hinder the pair's enjoyment of yet another NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week.
"Vegas breeds fun," Johnson said prior to the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony held at the Wynn Las Vegas. "It used to be a lot more stressful. I don't even have a speech written. I've just been having fun with my guys and family. It feels good to relax a bit. I've enjoyed the week." Knaus, who now stands alone in second among championship crew chiefs with five, echoed his driver's sentiments. "We've definitely smiled more this week than during any other Champion's Week," Knaus said. "There is a lot less pressure. I used to feel so much anxiety for the speech and everything that went along with the week. Now I'm used to it."
Rick Hendrick, who won his record-breaking 10th series owner championship, said the latest history-making title is still hard to fathom. "The championships are all special, but this year is just hard to believe," said Hendrick, who also extended his NASCAR national series owner championships record to 13. "It's just starting to set in. You never know if you'll be back, so you enjoy it while you can."
At the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, Johnson will receive his championship ring, and the top-10 drivers in the final points standings will be honored. The evening will feature a star-studded entertainment lineup, including country music superstars Rascal Flatts, comedic host Frank Caliendo, country singer Martina McBride, singer Colbie Caillat and a performance from the Las Vegas show "Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil." A Sam Bass custom designed Gibson Les Paul guitar was signed by members of Rascal Flatts and a number of drivers, and will be auctioned to support the NASCAR Foundation beginning today at www.NASCARFoundation.com.(NASCAR)(12-3-2010)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week – Day 3: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week culminates with Friday’s awards ceremony that regales five-time champion Jimmie Johnson and the entire #48 Hendrick Motorsports team. But today [Thursday] was about the industry as a whole – the sport’s drivers, owners, teams, fans, media and sponsors. At the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon held in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the overwhelming theme was the highly competitive nature of the 2010 season.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France opened the event with his thoughts on why this past season – and this past Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – was so tight. He illustrated his point with a back story of a behind-the-scenes nature. “I remember in January, having our press conference and talking about some of the things we were going to do,” France said. “[Vice president of competition] Robin Pemberton stood up and said the now very infamous words, 'Boys, have at it.' I said to myself for a moment, ‘Hold on, that's not in our script, that's not in our plan.’ But you know what, in a good way he was right. That's exactly what this sport needed to transition and take another good step forward. The result was from the start of Speedweeks throughout the season, you saw the level of competition go up.”
A number of postseason awards were given out during the luncheon, the last of which was the event’s namesake: the NMPA Myers Brothers Award. This year the honor was given to former NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter, who passed away in October at the age of 71. The emotional end to the ceremony included a tribute video and an acceptance by Hunter’s son, Scott. Said host Mike Joy, “Before Jim found such great success with NASCAR and ISC, he was a very talented writer. He was one of us. And he always will be.”
For the second consecutive year, thousands of fans lined The Strip to watch the top 12 take the popular “Victory Lap.” Starting at Planet Hollywood and ending at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the highlight once again were celebratory burnouts on the streets of Las Vegas by all 12 drivers. Prior to the Victory Lap, Johnson received the Key to the City of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodmanand Commissioner Tom Collins. Collins also presented a Proclamation recognizing Thursday Dec. 2, 2010 as Jimmie Johnson Day. A large crowd also enjoyed a Q&A session with the top 12 at the NASCAR After The Lap, Made Possible By Coca-Cola and Ford, held at the Hard Rock. Day 3 events ended with the presentation of the SIRIUS XM "Stewie Awards," hosted by Tony Stewart, honoring the best moments of the 2010 season.
The complete list of Thursday’s award winners from the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon:
· Buddy Shuman Award: Dr. Joseph Mattioli
· NASCAR Foundation’s Track of the Year Award: Daytona International Speedway
· NASCAR Marketing Achievement Awards: Nationwide Insurance
· NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award: Tony Stewart
· NMPA Myers Brothers Award: Jim Hunter
· Hamburger Helper Most Popular Driver Award: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
· Coors Light Pole Award: Jamie McMurray
· DirecTV Crew Chief of the Year Award: Gil Martin (crew chief for Kevin Harvick)
· Goodyear Gatorback Belts Fastest Lap Award: Jimmie Johnson
· Goodyear Tires Award: Jimmie Johnson
· Mahle Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award: Earl Wheeler, Hendrick Motorsports (engine builder for Jimmie Johnson)
· Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew of the Year: #11, Joe Gibbs Racing
· Mobil 1 “Command Performance Driver of the Year” Award: Kurt Busch
· Moog Chassis Parts Problem Solver of the Year Award: Gil Martin (crew chief for Kevin Harvick)
· O’Reilly Auto Parts Position Improvement Award: Kevin Harvick
· Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award: Kevin Conway
· Sunoco Diamond Performance Award: Jimmie Johnson
· Tissot “Pit Road Precision” Award: #17, Roush Fenway Racing
· WIX Filters Lap Leader Award: Denny Hamlin
· Championship Sponsor Award: Lowe’s
· Champion Crew Chief Award: Chad Knaus
(NASCAR)(12-3-2010)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week – Day 2: Day 2 of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week featured a day-long fan-friendly event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway dubbed “Chasers for Charity.” The highlight was a NASCAR version of the popular TV game show “The Family Feud.” And hometown boy Kyle Busch stole the show early, correctly guessing ‘himself’ as the answer to this question: “What driver would you least like to have racing your driver for the win on the final lap?”
Hosted by comedian Kevin Burke, the top-12 drivers in the final series points standings, split into two teams, battled for survey supremacy. Through the track’s website and social media outlets, fans answered a number of questions, with the top-five answers to each put ‘on the board.’
Totaling a combined 13 series championships, Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick made up one team. The other squad featured Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle and Jeff Burton.
Go figure – Team Hamlin, the roster with zero NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, easily bagged the Family Feud title, 400-99. A sampling of the questions, all of which were NASCAR-themed:
- “Name a famous finish in NASCAR history.” (No. 1 answer: Darlington, 2003 – closest finish in history, between Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven)
- “Which driver do most media people enjoy interviewing?” (No. 1 answer: Jeff Burton)
- “Which NASCAR driver would be most suitable to appear on The Bachelor?” (No. 1 answer: Kasey Kahne)
- “Name the non-Chase driver who has the best chance of making the Chase next year.” (No. 1 answer: Jamie McMurray)
- “Which driver from the past would you most like to drive one of your cars today?” (No. 1 answer: Dale Earnhardt)
The game show capped off a number of festivities held throughout the day.
Earlier, the track held a celebrity go-kart race featuring Raybestos Rookie of the Year Kevin Conway, comedians Carrot Top and Kevin Burke and San Francisco Giants centerfielder Aaron Rowand. Predictably, Conway – the ringer of the group – won.
Some of the other activities held in the track’s famed Neon Garage: live music, autograph sessions and a question and answer session with SPEED personalities Krista Voda and Larry McReynolds. Additionally, the Richard Petty Experience offered rides around the track and charity memorabilia auctions were held throughout the day, with proceeds going to Speedway Children’s Charities.(NASCAR Media)(12-2-2010)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week – Thursday, Dec. 2:
· NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: This annual industry/media event begins at 11:00 am, in the Bellagio Ballroom at the Bellagio and includes presentations to the Champion Crew Chief, Champion Sponsor, Raybestos Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver. Fans have the opportunity to attend for the first time. It is co-hosted by NASCAR and the National Motor Sports Press Association.
· Victory Lap: Set for 3:30 pm, the top-12 drivers will motor down the famed Las Vegas Strip in their respective race cars. Expect an authentic pit stop along the route and two burn-out sections for drivers. Victory Lap begins in front of Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino and ends at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Prior to Victory Lap at 3:00 pm, Johnson will receive the Key to the City of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman and Commissioner Tom Collins. Commissioner Collins also will present a Proclamation recognizing Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 as Jimmie Johnson Day.
· “NASCAR After The Lap, Made Possible By Coca-Cola and Ford”: This free fan event starts at 4:30 pm at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and features a question-and-answer session with drivers and an interactive Coca-Cola Fan Zone experience. Select fans will win NASCAR-themed prizes, including a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO. The Coca-Cola Fan Zone opens at noon, with doors to NASCAR After The Lap opening at 3 pm. General admission seats are free, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register for tickets at nascarafterthelap.com.(12-2-2010)

What's Next For Jimmie Johnson: Greatest Driver…Ever?: There is no question Jimmie Johnson has built a dynasty with five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships. So what's left for the driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet to accomplish? A few scribes have already posed the question: Is Johnson on track to become the best driver in the history of NASCAR? While only time will tell if Johnson can eventually hold that title, he is certainly on pace to do so.
Johnson has put his name near the top of the two most important lists when discussing "best all-time": championships and wins. His five titles are just two short of NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for most all-time. His 53 wins rank 10th all-time, and most likely, he will stand alone in eighth by the end of next season (Rusty Wallace is currently eighth, with 55. Johnson has won three or more races in each of his nine full-time seasons). Johnson's pace on a number of other statistics suggest he could one day catch the usual names already included in the "all-time best" debate:
Championships: Johnson needed 327 starts to win his fifth championship. Dale Earnhardt needed 390 and Richard Petty took 655 starts to collect their fifth titles.
Wins: Only three drivers reached 53 wins faster than Johnson, who reached it in 319 races: Jeff Gordon (260 starts), Darrell Waltrip (288) and David Pearson (309).
Two other "win" stats to consider: Johnson has a winning percentage of 16.2%, sixth-best all-time. Those ahead of him are either members, inductees or nominees of the NASCAR Hall of Fame: Herb Thomas (21.1), Tim Flock (20.9), Pearson (18.3), Petty (16.9) and Fred Lorenzen (16.5).
Here is another compelling stat: Johnson has at least five wins in each of the last five seasons. Only three other drivers have accomplished that feat: Petty (10 consecutive seasons with five or more wins), Waltrip (eight) and Gordon (five).
His ability to be at his best during "crunch" time has set Johnson apart. Here are his statistics during the 70 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup events: 19 wins (second-best is Carl Edwards with eight); 40 top fives (second is Gordon with 27); 54 top 10s (second is Gordon with 45), 3,423 laps led (second is Matt Kenseth with 1,715) and a Driver Rating of 110.1 (second is Gordon with a 98.4).(NASCAR)(12-1-2010)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week – Day 1: Winning is never, ever mundane. Apparently, neither is a day-long media tour – not when it involves a five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion who doubles as a new father. Jimmie Johnson, winner of five consecutive championships and guest of honor during this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, hit a number of local media outlets today. And all the while, he carried around a prop – his infant daughter Genevieve’s car seat. He needed it for the eventual arrival of his five-month old baby and wife, Chandra. The daughter; the car seat; the new responsibilities. They’re just a few of the many new wrinkles to a week that has become ritual for Johnson. “I am trying to be much more responsible since I have the baby,” Johnson said. “It means a lot to me to have her here and it’s a great experience to share it with my family. I mean, she will never remember it but we will have photos.”
Chad Knaus, Johnson’s crew chief for all five titles, joined Johnson on today’s media tour. He said that this championship has a different feel than past ones. “This year, we didn’t have the product that we had in previous years in terms of race cars, so we had to find other ways to win,” Knaus said. Even Knaus’ preparation for Friday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony is different. “I haven't even written my speech yet,” Knaus said. “In the past I've had about a week or so to start thinking about it. This time it was like Lap 267 in Miami.”
But one factor remains the same: Johnson’s demeanor. Through the newborn, the uncertainty and, finally, the glory, Johnson has stayed cool. “Jimmie is extremely consistent, his emotions, style, personality ... He's a stereotypical California kid,” Knaus said. “He's just a mellow kind of guy ... I think the baby just adds another level of enjoyment in his life. So for him it has really just been more of the same.”
The busy Day 1 schedule included three radio hits, six television spots and an hour-long chat with print media. After Johnson completed the interviews, he hit a number of notable Las Vegas photo op hot spots for the traditional Landmark Photo Shoot. On this year’s agenda: the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, the Fountains of Bellagio and an evening shoot at the Foundation Room in the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, which overlooks the picturesque Las Vegas Strip. After a 28-year run in New York, the annual postseason celebration returned to Las Vegas for a second-consecutive year, capped by Friday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas.(NASCAR Media)(11-30-2010)

Martina McBride to perform “America the Beautiful” Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: NASCAR announced the addition of multi-platinum and award-winning recording artist Martina McBride to the roster for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 3 at Wynn Las Vegas. Known as one of the most spectacular voices in any musical genre, McBride will perform “America the Beautiful” for NASCAR drivers and teams.(NASCAR)(12-1-2010)

Colbie Caillat to perform at Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: NASCAR has announced the addition of multi GRAMMY-Award winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat to the performance lineup for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 3 at Wynn Las Vegas. Broadcast live on SPEED at 9:00 pm/et, Caillat will join country music vocal group Rascal Flatts and comedic host Frank Caliendo to create a fully star-studded celebration of the 2010 NASCAR season. NASCAR fans tuning in live to SPEED will see Caillat, whose hit singles include “Bubbly,” “Realize,” and “Falling for You,” perform for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship team and other drivers who finished in top 10 of this season’s final series standings. Caillat’s album COCO debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart in 2007, and her Grammy-nominated follow up, BREAKTHROUGH, debuted at No. 1. The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will culminate NASCAR Champion’s Week, a postseason celebration of fan-friendly activities in Las Vegas. For more information on the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony and NASCAR Champion’s Week, visit www.nascar.com/championsweek.(12-1-2010)

The champion is crowned, the celebration awaits: The 2010 edition of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas will fete Hendrick Motorsports’ Jimmie Johnson, who earned an unprecedented fifth consecutive series title following the Nov. 21 season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Just a few days away, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week is full of fan-friendly activities that showcase the nation’s No. 1 form of motorsports while honoring its top driver and its loyal fan base. After a 28-year run in New York, the annual postseason celebration made its Las Vegas debut last year, capped, as always, by the champion’s Friday-night coronation. This year’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony returns to one of the city’s premier resorts, Wynn Las Vegas, on Friday, Dec. 3.
SPEED will once again broadcast the event, live at 9:00pm/et. Comedian Frank Caliendo and country rockers Rascal Flatts will entertain during the awards ceremony. Joining them will be “Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil,” a special performance of dance, acrobatics and music celebrating the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley.
The ceremony culminates several days of whirlwind activity involving not only the series champion, but also the other 11 drivers in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – NASCAR’s “playoffs”. Those drivers, together with Johnson, comprise the top 12 in the series’ final standings.
“It's just been an amazing experience, amazing for myself and the team,” Johnson said of his five-title run. “I think it's been great for our sport to see the comparisons drawn to other sports that have been able to link together multiple championships. It's been awesome, a ton of fun.”
For the second consecutive year, some of the thousands of fans who flock to catch a glimpse of stock car racing’s biggest stars will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating Johnson at the awards ceremony. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners and teams through various promotions. Fan tickets offer the following experiences:
· NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon seats
· Access to “NASCAR After The Lap, Made Possible By Coca-Cola and Ford”
· Fan reception & Red Carpet walk prior to the awards ceremony
· Awards ceremony seats.(11-24-2010)

NASCAR special to be filmed in New York: With the Sprint Cup awards banquet now playing post-season in Las Vegas, after so many years in New York City, NASCAR marketers are trying to find a way to keep tapped into the New York market. However, what to make of this promotion: "No Restrictor Plate," as it's billed. A one-hour, Made-for-TV event to be filmed in New York City Tuesday Nov. 23rd and then later aired during the Las Vegas awards. Kyle Petty will interview the new tour champion, with an 'in-studio audience of select media and avid fans.' And, if NASCAR's New York game plan goes as it typically does, the champ will then do a whirlwind TV show run....and then maybe on to Los Angeles for more of the same...and then up to Las Vegas.(NASCAR), no idea where the filming will take place or what channel it will air on.(11-22-2010)

Frank Caliendo and Rascal Flatts headline Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: Country music band Rascal Flatts will join comedian Frank Caliendo at the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 3 at Wynn Las Vegas. Broadcast live on SPEED at 9:00 pm/et, Rascal Flatts will entertain fans with a performance of songs from their multi-platinum selling records, as well as their upcoming album, “Nothing Like This,” due to release Nov. 16. Caliendo, impressionist extraordinaire, will host for a second-consecutive year.
“We have a supportive and loyal fan base among NASCAR nation, including the teams and drivers, and we plan to put on a special show for them as we all celebrate the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion,” said Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. “It will be a thrill to perform in a room with drivers we follow and also call friends, and we look forward to performing for the fans tuning in live to the show.”
The Nashville trio has recorded 11 No. 1 singles and holds nearly 40 music award trophies since their career began in 2000. In the past decade, Rascal Flatts has sold more than 20 million albums and 25 million digital downloads. As part of the album launch of “Nothing Like This,” Rascal Flatts will be kicking off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony with a special performance.
Caliendo has become a Las Vegas staple, starring in his own show at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The MADtv alumnus is no stranger to NASCAR, having appeared at postseason events for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, along with last year’s hosting gig.
“I am happy to be back as the host of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, which is sure to be a fun-filled night with lots of laughs, amazing live performances and highlights from the action on the track this season,” Caliendo said. “Fans watching from home are in for a treat this year as I show off a few surprises I’ve been working on – so get ready!”
The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony is the culmination of NASCAR Champion’s Week, a week-long postseason celebration consisting of several days of high-energy and fan-friendly activities involving the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and drivers who finished in the top 12 of the series’ final standings and competed in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – NASCAR’s “playoffs.” In addition to Rascal Flatts and Caliendo, other talent announcements will be made soon.
For more information on the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony and NASCAR’s Champions Week, visit www.nascar.com/championsweek.(11-11-2010)

Interested in attending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas?: Enter the Send Me 2 Vegas sweepstakes at www.NASCARafterthelap.com. One lucky NASCAR fan win a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO, a VIP trip for 2 to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s week in Las Vegas and the opportunity to make a once in a lifetime presentation to the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion at NASCAR After the Lap.(9-20-2010)

Fan-Friendly NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week Set For Las Vegas Return: A safe bet: Las Vegas is a perfect setting for the high-energy, fan-friendly activities encompassing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, a postseason celebration that showcases the nation’s No. 1 form of motorsports while also honoring its top driver – and its ultra-loyal fan base. Following last season’s successful debut of Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, NASCAR is bringing the party back in December, capped by the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3 at one of the city’s premier resorts, Wynn Las Vegas. SPEED will once again provide same day coverage. Other details regarding the event, such as entertainment planned, will be announced in the near future.
The ceremony will culminate several days of whirlwind activity involving not only the series champion, but also the other drivers who finished in the top 12 of the series’ final standings and qualified for NASCAR’s “playoffs” – the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. NASCAR moved postseason activities for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to Las Vegas last year after a 28-year run in New York City. The Las Vegas community responded – and so did the thousands of fans who flocked to catch a glimpse of stock car racing’s biggest stars. Some especially lucky fans got some up-close looks, as guests at the awards show. It marked the first time fans were able to attend.
“That was a huge success and really personified what we’re trying to do in Las Vegas – take our champion and our other top drivers directly to the fans,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Overall, we wanted to reenergize Champion’s Week with lots of fan involvement and Las Vegas was just what we needed to make that happen.”
For the second consecutive year, fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the NASCAR Sprint Cup champion at the awards ceremony. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners and teams through various fan promotions. Fan tickets will offer fans the following Champion's Week experiences:
· NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon seats
· NASCAR After The Lap access
· Fan reception & Red Carpet walk prior to the awards ceremony
· Awards ceremony seats

Following is a complete rundown of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week activities.

Wednesday, Dec. 1
· NASCAR Street Tour: Two tricked-out NASCAR interactive Ford vehicles are scheduled to appear all week throughout Las Vegas with dynamic street teams, interactive video games and free giveaways. (Detailed schedule TBD.)
· NASCAR Pit Stop Tour:The Pit Stop Tour program will run from Dec. 1-3, consisting of Official Partner show cars placed in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas strip. Brand ambassadors at each location (locations TBD) will be on site from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for all three days, engaging the fans.
· Chasers for Charity Event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Gates open at 10 a.m. The Richard Petty Driving Experience will offer rides with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to charity. The speedway will offer tours of the facility. There will be interactive displays throughout the track’s “Neon Garage.” Live music on the main stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. In addition, all 12 Chase drivers will participate in a Family Feud-style game show hosted by comedian Kevin Burke between 2-3:30 p.m. Admission to the Fanfest is free to the public, and mass transportation will be available from the strip and downtown.

Thursday, Dec. 2
· NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: This annual industry/media event begins at 11 a.m., in the Bellagio Ballroom at the Bellagio and includes presentations to the Champion Crew Chief, Champion Sponsor, Raybestos Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver. Fans have the opportunity to attend for the first time. It is co-hosted by NASCAR and the National Motor Sports Press Association.
· Victory Lap: Set for 3:30 p.m., the top-12 drivers will motor down the famed Las Vegas Strip in their respective race cars. Expect an authentic pit stop along the route and two burn-out sections for drivers. Victory Lap begins in front of Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino and ends at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Prior to Victory Lap at 3 p.m., Johnson will receive the Key to the City of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman and Commissioner Tom Collins. Commissioner Collins also will present a Proclamation recognizing Champion’s Week and Johnson’s accomplishments.
· NASCAR After The Lap: This free fan event starts at 4:30 p.m., at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and features a question-and-answer session with drivers and an interactive Coca-Cola Fan Zone experience. Select fans will win NASCAR-themed prizes, including a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO. The Coca-Cola Fan Zone opens at noon, with doors to NASCAR After The Lap opening at 3 p.m. General admission seats are free, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register for tickets at nascarafterthelap.com.

Friday, Dec. 3
· 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: The big show will start at 6 p.m., crowning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner – and honoring the other drivers who finished in the top 10 in the final series standings.(NASCAR PR)(9-3/11/24-2010)

NASCAR Sets Dates, Sites For 2010 Postseason Shows: NASCAR has announced dates and sites for its 2010 season-ending championship celebrations. Continuing a new tradition started last year, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will honor its champion at Wynn Las Vegas. This year, the awards ceremony is set for Friday, Dec. 3 and will feature the top 10 drivers in the final series standings. The event will culminate NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.
In addition, the combined awards banquet for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will again take place in South Florida at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The date is Nov. 22, the Monday following Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will again be accompanied by a number of successful ancillary events – the fan-friendly “Victory Lap,” a procession of the top 10 drivers in their race cars; the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards; the Pit Stop Tour; and the NASCAR Street Tour to include stock cars and mobile marketing units placed throughout Las Vegas. In addition, for the second-straight year, a designated number of fans will be able to attend the ceremony; details on the popular fan element will be announced later this year.(NASCAR), no word on dates for television coverage.(5-17-2010)

Crown Ballroom at NASCAR Hall of Fame To Host 2010 NASCAR Weekly & Touring Banquets: NASCAR announced it will celebrate the top short-track drivers from throughout North America with end of the season awards banquets Dec. 10-11. NASCAR will return to Charlotte with a special week of activities culminating with the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 10 and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala on Saturday, Dec. 11. The banquets will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center's Crown Ballroom in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Fans throughout the U.S. and Canada, and around the globe, will again be able to watch the festivities from both nights via a live webcast on nascarhometracks.com. In addition to the new NASCAR Hall of Fame complex, the region is the home of the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C., as well as a majority of today’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet will feature the top drivers from NASCAR-sanctioned short tracks across the United States and Canada. Invited attendees will include the 2010 NASCAR national champion, U.S. state and Canadian provincial champions, track champions, the national/state/provincial rookies of the year, top NASCAR Finalist Recognition Program honorees, the 2010 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award winner and many others. The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala will feature the series champions and top drivers from NASCAR’s regional touring series including invitees from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1. Today, drivers from many of these key regional touring series are thrilling fans in each of NASCAR’s three national series. The Westin Charlotte will be the host hotel for both awards banquets.(6-7-2010)