Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion #48-Jimmie Johnson will make a return visit Tuesday to Washington D.C., for a trip highlighted by a White House meeting with President George W. Bush. Johnson will join the President in the Oval Office for a meeting and photo, a yearly tradition for whoever wins the Sprint Cup Series championship. “As an American, it’s certainly an honor to visit the White House,” Johnson said. “I have been fortunate over the past few years to have met with President Bush and been a guest in the Oval Office – which was amazing considering the history that took place in that room. I know tomorrow’s visit will be another great experience.” After meeting with the President, Johnson will make a stop on Capitol Hill to meet with both the Senate and House side of the Capitol. First, Johnson will meet with Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) and other Senate leadership, followed by a visit to the House. The day-long excursion ends with a visit with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The trip to our nation’s capitol has become a regular activity for Johnson, who last season became the first driver to win consecutive championships since 1998. This will be Johnson’s third visit to the White House. He previously went as part of the top 10 in 2003 and again in 2007 as a first-time champion.(NASCAR PR)(2-4-2008) Statement: President George W. Bush Talks About Meeting With Jimmie Johnson: “You know, one of the things I love about NASCAR is not only are these great athletes, but they’re socially minded folks. Chandra [Johnson] and Jimmie [Johnson] and I met several times — one time at a place where the folks of NASCAR are putting something back into the community to help the less fortunate. In this case it happened to be in a place called Victory Junction, in North Carolina, and it was a fabulous experience. And I want to thank you all very much for taking your fame and lending it to help somebody in need. It’s really what makes America a great place. You’re leaders on the track and leaders off the track.” — President George W. Bush.(NASCAR)(2-6-2008)
