THE BIG STORYJimmie Johnson was officially honored for his record fourth consecutive Sprint Cup championship at Friday night’s awards ceremony in Las Vegas. The event was moved to Vegas after almost three decades in New York City and, for the first time, included fan participation. Sprint announced a $6.6 million prize to Johnson and his No. 48 Chevrolet team. Owner Rick Hendrick was surprised as recipient of NASCAR’s Bill France Award of Excellence for the organization’s 1-2-3 sweep in Cup points. Joey Logano was honored as the year’s top rookie.
Also: Jimmie Johnson will again co-drive with Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty and Jimmy Vasser in the Rolex 24 at Daytona as the series champion Bob Stallings team switches to Chevrolet power . . . Jay Guy, from the Furniture Row team, will be Brad Keselowski’s Sprint Cup crew chief at Penske Racing . . . Danica Patrick officially announced her new contract with what is now Andretti Autosport. Tom Anderson is now in charge of racing operations for that team . . . Mark Martin, Dario Franchitti, Tony Schumacher, Donny Schatz, Ron Hornaday Jr., J.R. Hildebrand and Fogarty/Gurney were elected to the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association’s All-America Team . . . Rick Ren left as Ron Hornaday Jr.’s No. 33 Truck crew chief . . .Mike Bliss is going to drive for Tommy Baldwin in Sprint Cup . . . Slugger Labbe left as No. 71 Chevrolet crew chief.



NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesDale Earnhardt Jr. was voted most popular driver for the seventh consecutive time. Dale Inman, Richard Petty’s longtime crew chief, won the Buddy Shuman Award. MRN broadcaster Barney Hall received the Myers Brothers Award. Michigan International Speedway got the Humanitarian Award for its annual blood and marrow drive.


Racer of the WeekRick Hendrick. The nine-time Cup champion team owner received NASCAR’s Bill France Award of Excellence.



Yes, He REALLY Said ThatJack Beckman, on his flight with the Air Force Thunderbirds. "It was like riding a roller coaster on steroids with your eyes closed."

 

Source: NASCAR.com


Fresh face ready to race

The formal announcement will come Tuesday in Phoenix, but according to a source Danica Patrick will drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Nationwide Series team in 2010.

Who is Danica Patrick? | IndyCar: Career Statistics | Shop: JR Motorsports gear
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