With only one day remaining before the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Awards Ceremony, the flurry of New York City activities picked up for the series Top 10 drivers. Champion Tony Stewart (#20 Home Depot Chevrolet) opened the day with his fellow Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup competitors at the New York Stock Exchange. The group, along with NASCAR President Mike Helton and Sprint Nextel Chief Marketing Officer Mark Schweitzer were guests of honor and helped kick off the day by ringing the opening bell. Activities continued at an afternoon luncheon and press conference at Cipriani. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France addressed the group with a State of the Sport speech highlighting the 2005 season. In his speech, France congratulated Stewart and the Home Depot Team for its championship. France also pointed out the importance of keeping competition close on the track. The close competition we had this year in the three national series is precisely what keeps our fans coming back for more, France said. Preserving the competitive balance for every team that competes in NASCAR is one of the most important jobs we have. France also mentioned the long history of having the Champions Awards Ceremony in New York. New York is the media capital of the world, we love being here. Tomorrow night, at the Waldorf-Astoria, well celebrate our 25th year in New York. Donahue also spoke at the event, sharing Sprint Nextels overview of their second season as title sponsor of NASCARs top division. Stewart was not the only champion recognized at the event. A special photo was arranged for the champions of each of NASCARs 12 divisions, including the national touring series, regional touring series and the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. It is the only time during the year that all of the champions are brought together.
Afterwards Stewart was taken to Times Square where he posed for a championship picture with his show car and trophy on Military Island. While there, a plaque from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg declaring Thursday NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Day in the city was presented to Sprint Nextel Vice President of Sports Marketing Michael Robichaud. The night will conclude for Stewart with the Sprint Champions Celebration. Stewart and his team will be honored by Sprint Nextel at the Marriot Marquee. Its been awesome and weve had great weather, Stewart said about his week in the city. I definitely think its a great place to celebrate the championship.
Champions of NASCAR Dinner A special dinner celebration will be held Thursday night to honor all of the NASCAR champions. The champions, including Martin Truex Jr. (NASCAR Busch Series), Ted Musgrave (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series), Andy Santerre (Busch North Series), Mike Duncan (West Series), Tony Hirschman (Whelen Modified Tour), Junior Miller (Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Justin Diercks (Midwest Series), Jeff Jefferson (Northwest Series), Jeff Fultz (Southeast Series), Jim Pettit II (Southwest Series) and Peyton Sellers (NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series) will be joined by NASCAR executives and various media members in the Empire Room at the Waldorf-Astoria. Each champion will be presented with a commemorative champions helmet, specially designed in recognition of their 2005 championship.
Ronald McDonald House Visit Several of the Top 10 drivers will make a special trip to the Ronald McDonald House of New York. The Ronald McDonald House is a temporary home for children undergoing cancer treatment. Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch (#97 IRWIN/Sharpie Ford), Ryan Newman (#12 ALLTEL Dodge), Carl Edwards (#99 Office Depot Ford) and Kyle Busch (#5 Kelloggs Chevrolet) will have a private visit with the children and their families.
Breakfast of Champions Fridays schedule begins with the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) / Myers Brothers Breakfast, in the Starlight Room at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The event kicks off the final day of Champions Week with several special award presentations which altogether represent over $750,000 in prize money. The awards include: Budweiser Pole Award (Ryan Newman), Clevite Engine Builder Award (Mark Cronquist, Joe Gibbs Racing), Checkers/Rallys Double Drive-Thru Challenge Award (Ryan Newman), Goodyear Gatorback Fastest Lap Award (Tony Stewart), MBNA Mid-Race Leader Award (Tony Stewart), Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year Award (#20 The Home Depot Chevrolet crew), Mobil 1 Command Performance Driver of the Year Award (Ryan Newman), Commit Lozenges Commit to Win Award (Kasey Kahne, #9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge), WIX Filters Lap Leader Award (Tony Stewart), USG Improving the Finish Award (Elliott Sadler, #38 M&Ms Ford) and the Sunoco Diamond Performance Award (Tony Stewart). Two awards have yet to be announced and the winners will be named on Friday morning: the Chex Cereals Most Popular Driver Award and the NMPAs Myers Brothers Award.(PR)(12-2-2005)
