Nextel Cup champion #48-Jimmie Johnson was named the 2006 Richard Petty Driver of the Year by the National Motorsports Press Association. Johnson, who also won the award in 2004, was named on 28 of 72 ballots cast. The Hendrick Motorsports driver edged Richard Childress Racing’s Kevin Harvick, who received 22 first-place votes. Others receiving votes were Evernham Motorsports’ Kasey Kahne, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart, Roush Racing’s Mark Martin and RCR’s Jeff Burton.(SceneDaily.com)(1-22-2007)
