NASCAR In New York

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 9, 2008

NASCAR In New York

Jimmie Johnson and Cale Yarborough

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough made a surprise appearance at the Cup Series Award Ceremonies. Following a standing ovation, Yarborough presented the championship ring to 2008 series champion Jimmie Johnson.

Matchbox 20

Pop group Matchbox 20 performed during the awards ceremony.

Jimmie Johnson

Cup champion Jimmie Johnson signs autographs in New York's Times Square on his way to a party at the Hard Rock.

Rick and Linda Hendricks

Team owner Rick and Linda Hendrick pose before the start of the awards ceremony, where Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon were honored.

Jeff Gordon and Ingrid Vandebosch

Jeff Gordon and his wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, pose before the awards ceremony, where Gordon was honored for his place in the Chase.

Kevin Costner and Richard Petty

Richard Petty joins actor Kevin Costner on stage at the awards ceremony, where Costner lamented on the 60th anniversary of the sport.

Gavin DeGraw

Pop singer Gavin DeGraw performs at a concert at the Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate Champions Week.

Carl Edwards

Second-place Chase finisher Carl Edwards speaks during the awards ceremony after a busy week that included a visit to the Sports Illustrated offices.

Kyle Busch and Samantha Sarcinella

Kyle Busch and Samantha Sarcinella pose before the awards ceremony, where he thanked fans for their continued support. "I didn't think I would be going first tonight, but when the Chase started, we had some problems. I guess I still have some lessons to learn but Jimmie, you remember Chicago? That was awesome! Awesome! And thanks to the fans for letting me know in their own different way that they are pulling for me. They have a different way of letting me know that I'm No. 1."

Jimmie Johnson

The NASCAR champ is applauded by Lowes CEO Robert Niblock, left, and Sprint CFO Bob Brust, as he rings the New York Stock Exchange opening bell. Before Johnson began the day, traders crowded him to get an autograph.