NASCAR Logo

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will again be held at Wynn Las Vegas. This year, the ceremony is set for Friday, Dec. 2 and will feature the top 10 drivers in the final series standings. The event will culminate NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.

As in previous years, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will be accompanied by a number of events designed with fans and media in mind – starting with the immensely popular “NASCAR Victory Lap,” an annual procession of the top 12 drivers in their race cars on Las Vegas Blvd., followed by NASCAR After The Lap, a Q&A event with the top 12 drivers; and the yearly NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon. Details for these events – as well as many others that will provide a lead-in to the ceremony – will be announced later this year.

In addition, the combined awards banquet for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will take place in South Florida at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, one of the jewels of the South Beach area. The date is Nov. 21, the Monday following the season-ending Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

NASCAR’s celebration of the top short-track drivers from throughout North America will return to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. for a special week of activities concluding with the crowning of NASCAR’s developmental series champions.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet will be Friday, Dec. 9. The NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Banquet – celebrating the champions of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East and West), the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the NASCAR Mexico Series presented by Toyota – will be held the following day, Saturday, Dec. 10.

- NASCAR, Press Release

Sprint Nextel

A scaled-down version of the 14,400-square-foot mobile marketing display will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time at the speedway. The display allows Sprint to bring fans closer to the sport through custom interactive games, driver and celebrity appearances, and the latest handsets and technologies available from Sprint.

The second annual Chasers for Charity Fanfest will feature a Family Feud style game show played by the 12 drivers who were in the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. All proceeds will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities. The show will be hosted by comedian Kevin Burke, who stars in “Defending the Caveman” at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.

Fans will also be treated to a celebrity go-kart race at 12:30 p.m. Comedian Carrot Top and San Francisco Giants centerfielder Aaron Rowand are among the celebrities expected for the race.

Drivers are scheduled to arrive at approximately 2 p.m. to walk the red carpet through the Neon Garage at LVMS. Before the drivers’ arrival, fans will be entertained with free track tours, live music and an autograph session with Miss Sprint Cup.

For more information and high-resolution artist renderings of the Sprint Experience, please visit: www.sprint.com/sprintcup. For additional information on Chaser’s for Charity Fanfest, please visit http://www.lvms.com/speedwayfeud

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.8 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

- Sprint Nextel, Press Release

Martina McBride

Known as one of the most spectacular voices in any musical genre, McBride will perform “America the Beautiful” for NASCAR drivers and teams. The ceremony will be broadcast live for fans on SPEED at 9 p.m. ET.

She will join an exciting performance lineup that includes country music vocal group Rascal Flatts, GRAMMY award-winning artist Colbie Caillat, comedic host Frank Caliendo, and a special performance by Cirque du Soleil’s “Viva ELVIS.”

McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, three-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY winning recording artist with more than 18 million career album sales and 23 Top 10 singles, including six number ones.

“I’m looking forward to singing for the NASCAR drivers and teams at this year’s awards ceremony,” said McBride. “NASCAR and country music go hand-in-hand and have one very important thing in common – the fans. They are the most loyal of any I’ve ever known and it’s always a thrill to perform live for such an enthusiastic and supportive audience.”

The breadth of McBride’s talents – as recording artist, producer, songwriter, and live entertainer – has made her an in-demand performer and personality, appearing multiple times on such high-profile television programs as “Oprah,” “Today,” and “Good Morning America” as well as “American Idol,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The GRAMMY Awards,” “The Bachelorette,” “VH1 Divas,” “20/20,” and many more.

The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will culminate NASCAR Champion’s Week, a postseason celebration of fan-friendly activities in Las Vegas. For more information on the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony and NASCAR’s Champions Week, visit www.nascar.com/championsweek.

- NASCAR, Press Release

Colbie Caillat

NASCAR fans tuning in live to SPEED will see Caillat, whose hit singles include “Bubbly,” “Realize,” and “Falling for You,” perform for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship team and other drivers who finished in top 10 of this season’s final series standings. Caillat’s album COCO debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart in 2007, and her Grammy-nominated follow up, BREAKTHROUGH, debuted at No. 1.

The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will culminate NASCAR Champion’s Week, a postseason celebration of fan-friendly activities in Las Vegas.

For more information on the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony and NASCAR Champion’s Week, visit www.nascar.com/championsweek.

- NASCAR, Press Release

Michigan International Speedway

“Uh, did I hear you correctly? Can you repeat that please! I won!,” Loomis of East Lansing, Mich. shockingly reacted after finding out he had won Michigan International Speedway’s Race to Vegas contest following a phone call by MIS President Roger Curtis on Wednesday. “This is extremely exciting for me! I love MIS and have enjoyed racing for many years. This will be an amazing experience.”

Loomis even had a surprise for Curtis and MIS staffers who were listening in when Curtis mentioned that he wanted to come and deliver the prize in person. He is the mayor of East Lansing.

Loomis hit the jackpot when he was randomly selected as the winner of the Race to Vegas contest. A longtime MIS fan who has attended races at the Irish Hills track for 21 consecutive years and 23 years overall, Loomis will travel to Las Vegas to attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony with Curtis on Dec. 2-4.

The Race to Vegas contest is an extension of the speedway’s Fan Appreciation Program, which provides experiential prizes to fans throughout the year, including race weekends. Since its inception in 2009, the program has given away thousands of prizes to lucky winners on a random basis.

Loomis will receive a visit from Curtis at the Grand Traverse Pie Company in East Lansing on Friday to present the winnings and review all the great opportunities ahead for his trip to Las Vegas.

“I’m extremely pleased to have Mr. Loomis and his guest attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards ceremonies with me,” Curtis said. “We appreciate the support that fans like Mr. Loomis give to MIS each and every summer. The awards banquet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that a die-hard NASCAR fan like Mr. Loomis will really enjoy.”

Loomis and his guest will receive round-trip coach airfare and hotel accommodations at the famed Wynn Hotel, along with a seat at the banquet.

Although Loomis doesn’t have a favorite driver, his passion for the sport overall runs deep. He especially enjoys the success of Michigan-based owners and drivers in NASCAR.

“I enjoy NASCAR as a whole and root for owners Jack Roush and Roger Penske, because they are Michigan residents who have done so much for our state. It was also nice to see Rochester Hills native Brad Keselowski win the Nationwide Series title. It’s great when Michigan people are successful in NASCAR,” Loomis said.

Although he is busy being the mayor of East Lansing and owns his own business, Loomis enjoys escaping twice a year to the Irish Hills of Michigan to camp with family and friends and watch great NASCAR and ARCA racing.

“I’m a big fan of MIS and NASCAR and truly enjoy it,” he said. “I’ve never been involved with MIS as mayor of East Lansing and keep that role very separate from the race fan in me. I’m an MIS fan first, NASCAR fan second and have purchased tickets and camping for many years and will continue to do so. The track has done a wonderful job lowering ticket prices and making remarkable improvements to the facility for its race fans. I’ve noticed over the last few years how much MIS has done to its track and how many of those changes were as a result of fan feedback, which you don’t always see at other venues.”

Loomis was selected among all customers who either renewed their tickets and camping for the 2011 season or placed a $30 deposit. Fans also had an opportunity to submit a 3×5 card.

Go REAL Big - NFL teams and players at Fathead

New customers can still log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a $30 deposit for the 2011 season. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2011.

Michigan International Speedway – 2011 Schedule

Saturday, May 21       Great Lakes Wine Fest

Friday, June 17           ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200

Saturday, June 18      NASCAR Nationwide Series

Sunday, June 19         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 19           Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 20       NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200

Sunday, Aug. 21         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Rascal Flatts

Broadcast live on SPEED at 9 p.m. ET, Rascal Flatts will entertain fans with a performance of songs from their multi-platinum selling records, as well as their upcoming album, “Nothing Like This,” due to release Nov. 16. Caliendo, impressionist extraordinaire, will host for a second-consecutive year.

“We have a supportive and loyal fan base among NASCAR nation, including the teams and drivers, and we plan to put on a special show for them as we all celebrate the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion,” said Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. “It will be a thrill to perform in a room with drivers we follow and also call friends, and we look forward to performing for the fans tuning in live to the show.”

The Nashville trio has recorded 11 No. 1 singles and holds nearly 40 music award trophies since their career began in 2000. In the past decade, Rascal Flatts has sold more than 20 million albums and 25 million digital downloads. As part of the album launch of “Nothing Like This,” Rascal Flatts will be kicking off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony with a special performance.

Caliendo has become a Las Vegas staple, starring in his own show at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The MADtv alumnus is no stranger to NASCAR, having appeared at postseason events for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, along with last year’s hosting gig.

“I am happy to be back as the host of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, which is sure to be a fun-filled

Rascal Flatts Official Merchandise

The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony is the culmination of NASCAR Champion’s Week, a week-long postseason celebration consisting of several days of high-energy and fan-friendly activities involving the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and drivers who finished in the top 12 of the series’ final standings and competed in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – NASCAR’s “playoffs.” In addition to Rascal Flatts and Caliendo, other talent announcements will be made soon.

For more information on the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony and NASCAR’s Champions Week, visit www.nascar.com/championsweek.

- NASCAR, Press Release

Richmond International Raceway

The Pleasant City, Ohio resident learned of the contest through a monthly Richmond International Raceway e-mail newsletter. Contestants submitted their name and contact information through www.rir.com for a chance to win. Entries were also accepted during the Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend September 10-11 at America’s Premier Short Track.

The one-in-a-lifetime prize experience for Ken and his wife Betty includes:

ü  Three days and two nights in Las Vegas

ü  Roundtrip airfare

ü  Hotel accommodations at Wynn Las Vegas

ü  Access to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, including these exclusive items:

o   Seats and dinner at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony

o   Fan-only pre-reception with NASCAR industry VIPs

o   Red carpet walk prior to the Awards Ceremony

o   Lunch at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon

o   Access to the NASCAR “After the Lap” event

ü  $500 spending money

Ken is most looking forward to the excitement of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on December 3. He visited Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a race earlier this year and believes, “The racing at Richmond International Raceway is much better.”

The Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, December 3, at Wynn Las Vegas, is part of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week—a postseason celebration that showcases the nation’s top form of motorsports while also honoring its top driver and its ultra-loyal fan base.

NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway April 29-30, 2011 for a NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend. Tickets for the Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race go on sale January 15, 2011. For information and to stay up to date, please log on to www.rir.com.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the new-for-2010 Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

Homestead-Miami Speedway

The weekend of Nov. 19-21, Homestead-Miami Speedway will serve as host to NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend for the ninth consecutive year, crowning Champions in all three of its top national divisions—the Camping World Truck Series (Friday night), Nationwide (Saturday) and Sprint Cup (Sunday). But the party doesn’t end there…

This year, THE Championship Tracksm is offering race fans a most unique opportunity: see the Champions crowned in South Florida during Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 19-21) and then head to Las Vegas (Dec. 1-3) for the official NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Dec. 3, at the Wynn Las Vegas, one of the city’s premier resorts. This year’s banquet marks just the second time in NASCAR history that fans will join NASCAR’s Top 10 drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the Sprint Cup Champion crowned at Homestead-Miami.

Race fans interested in winning this ultimate NASCAR package can register to win by visiting www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com/banquet.

The package includes:

The deadline to register to win this ultimate NASCAR package is Friday, Nov. 5. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Visit www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com/banquet to register.

KIDS FREE: NASCAR’s series-crowning Ford Championship Weekend returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 19-21. Kids 12 & under are admitted FREE (general admission) for Friday night’s Camping World Truck Series Championship and for just $10 (reserved seats) for Saturday’s Nationwide Series Championship. Tickets for Sunday’s Sprint Cup Championship start at $55. Parking is always free at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and fans are invited to bring food and drink in a 6x6x12 cooler. For more info, visit THEChampionshipTrack.com or call (866) 409-RACE.

- Homestead-Miami Speedway, Press Release

Michigan International Speedway

Schultz, from Plymouth, Mich., renewed his 2010 MIS tickets last year and was selected as the winner of the speedway’s Race to Vegas contest, which gave him a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas.

“When track President Roger Curtis called me I thought something was wrong with my ticket renewal. I was totally surprised when I found out I won,” Schultz said. “I’d never won anything like this before in my life.

“Mr. Curtis and MIS went way out of their way for us. We couldn’t have been treated any better and as race fans it was truly the experience of a lifetime,” Schultz added. “I can’t thank everyone enough for their hospitality while we were in Las Vegas.”

The speedway wants to give another lucky fan this year the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony in December with Curtis.

One lucky winner who renews for the 2011 season or places a $30 goodwill deposit at MIS will win a trip for two to the ceremony in the Race to Vegas contest. The trip includes a three-day/two-night trip for two to Las Vegas from Dec. 4-6. The prize includes round-trip coach airfare and hotel accommodations, and a seat at Michigan International Speedway’s table at the banquet.

“Our customers who renew their tickets or campsite each and every year are our most loyal fans. We felt this contest would be a fun way to get them excited about renewing for 2011,” Curtis said. “I’m happy to be able to bring one lucky winner and a guest with me to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony for the second straight year. I had a great time with Mr. Schultz and his family last year and can’t wait to give another MIS fan the same experience.”

The Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony, a tradition held in New York City for decades, moved to Las Vegas in 2009. The banquet-style event honors the top-12 drivers who made NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup. The event is typically reserved for top dignitaries of NASCAR, race tracks, race teams and their sponsors.

“In our sport and at MIS, the fans ARE the dignitaries,” Curtis said. “We truly care about our race fans at MIS and if we can reward them with a trip to the awards ceremony, I’m more than happy to have them join me in celebrating NASCAR’s championship.”

For a complete list of contest rules, please visit MISpeedway.com/vegas.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2011 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Renewals are under way for 2010 ticket holders.

New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans who buy now save big.

Michigan International Speedway – 2011 Schedule

Friday, June 17           ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards

Saturday, June 18      NASCAR Nationwide Series

Sunday, June 19         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 19           Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 20       NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200

Sunday, Aug. 21         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony

Following last season’s successful debut of Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, NASCAR is bringing the party back in December, capped by the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3 at one of the city’s premier resorts, Wynn Las Vegas. SPEED will once again provide same day coverage. Other details regarding the event, such as entertainment planned, will be announced in the near future.

The ceremony will culminate several days of whirlwind activity involving not only the series champion, but also the other drivers who finished in the top 12 of the series’ final standings and qualified for NASCAR’s “playoffs” – the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

NASCAR moved postseason activities for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to Las Vegas last year after a 28-year run in New York City. The Las Vegas community responded – and so did the thousands of fans who flocked to catch a glimpse of stock car racing’s biggest stars. Some especially lucky fans got some up-close looks, as guests at the awards show. It marked the first time fans were able to attend.

“That was a huge success and really personified what we’re trying to do in Las Vegas – take our champion and our other top drivers directly to the fans,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Overall, we wanted to reenergize Champion’s Week with lots of fan involvement and Las Vegas was just what we needed to make that happen.”

For the second consecutive year, fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the NASCAR Sprint Cup champion at the awards ceremony. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners and teams through various fan promotions.  Fan tickets will offer fans the following Champion’s Week experiences:

· NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon seats
· NASCAR After The Lap access
· Fan reception & Red Carpet walk prior to the awards ceremony
· Awards ceremony seats

Following is a complete rundown of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week activities.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

· NASCAR Street Tour: Two tricked-out NASCAR interactive Ford vehicles are scheduled to appear all
week throughout Las Vegas with dynamic street teams, interactive video games and free giveaways. (Detailed schedule TBD.)

· NASCAR Pit Stop Tour: The Pit Stop Tour program will run from Dec. 1-3, consisting of Official Partner show cars placed in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas strip. Brand ambassadors at each location (locations TBD) will be on site from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for all three days, engaging the fans.

· Chasers for Charity Event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Gates open at 10 a.m. The Richard Petty Driving Experience will offer rides with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to charity. The speedway will offer tours of the facility. There will be interactive displays throughout the track’s “Neon Garage.” Live music on the main stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. In addition, all 12 Chase drivers will participate in a Family Feud-style game show hosted by Kevin Burke between 2-3:30 p.m. Admission to the Fanfest is free to the public, and mass transportation will be available from the strip and downtown.

Thursday, Dec. 2

· NASCAR/NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: This will begin at 11 a.m. in the Bellagio Ballroom at the Bellagio. This annual industry/media gathering includes the presentation of awards to the Champion Crew Chief, Champion Sponsor, Raybestos Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver. For the first time, fans will also have an opportunity to attend this event, co-hosted by NASCAR and National Motor Sports Press Association.

· Victory Lap: Set for 3:30 p.m., Victory Lap will feature the top 12 drivers motoring – loudly – along the famed Las Vegas strip in their teams’ respective race cars. Victory Lap will feature an authentic pit stop along the route and two burn-out sections for drivers, a certain fan favorite. Victory Lap will start in front of Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino and end at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

· NASCAR After The Lap: Starting at 4:30 p.m., this is a free event for fans, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, featuring an unfiltered question-and-answer session with drivers and an interactive Coca-Cola Fan Zone experience. Select NASCAR fans will be awarded NASCAR-themed prizes, including a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO. The Coca-Cola Fan Zone opens at noon, with doors to NASCAR After The Lap opening at 3 p.m. General admission seats are free, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans can register for tickets at nascarafterthelap.com starting on Sept. 13.

Friday, Dec. 3

· 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: The big show will start at 6 p.m., crowning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner – and honoring the other drivers who finished in the top 10 in the final series standings.

- NASCAR, Press Release

Daytona International Speedway Logo

For the second straight year, the “World Center of Racing” is offering the unique opportunity for race fans to witness the season-ending championship celebration at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas.

By visiting www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/vegas, race fans can register for the prize package that includes:

• Hotel accommodations in Las Vegas, NV and two tickets to attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2010 at the Wynn Hotel featuring the top 10 drivers in the season-ending standings.
• Invitation to an exclusive pre-awards ceremony reception hosted by a NASCAR industry personality
• Opportunity to walk the “Red Carpet” prior to the start of the awards ceremony
• Airfare for two (2) from winner’s airport to Las Vegas

The contest will run through Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Tickets for the 53^rd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2011 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

- Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

NASCAR Logo

Continuing a new tradition started last year, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will honor its champion at Wynn Las Vegas. This year, the awards ceremony is set for Friday, Dec. 3 and will feature the top 10 drivers in the final series standings. The event will culminate NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.

In addition, the combined awards banquet for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will again take place in South Florida at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The date is Nov. 22, the Monday following Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will again be accompanied by a number of successful ancillary events – the fan-friendly “Victory Lap,” a procession of the top 10 drivers in their race cars; the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards; the Pit Stop Tour; and the NASCAR Street Tour to include stock cars and mobile marketing units placed throughout Las Vegas. In addition, for the second-straight year, a designated number of fans will be able to attend the ceremony; details on the popular fan element will be announced later this year.

- NASCAR, Press Release

HOSTS OF NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES AWARDS CEREMONY

ON SPEED REFLECT ON SEASON’S BIGGEST STORIES,

BEST RIVALRIES AND JIMMIE JOHNSON’S PLACE IN NASCAR HISTORY

SPEED TV

Q: What was the biggest story of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season?

“Without question, Jimmie Johnson’s fourth consecutive title was the most important story of the year.  Props to Tony Stewart for coming out of the gate strong in his first year as a team owner/driver.  But Johnson is in ‘rare air,’ in exclusive company, with greats like Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning and Roger Federer.  He is as unpretentious, humble and gracious a champion as the sport has ever seen.  As much as many fans don’t want to hear that, it’s the truth – what you see is what you get with Johnson and what he is is an exceptional talent and an even better person.”

– Steve Byrnes, SPEED host

“The biggest story of the 2009 season easily was Johnson’s fourth consecutive championship and Rick Hendrick’s unprecedented 1-2-3 finish in the points.”

– Mike Joy, SPEED host

“Mark Martin was the 2009 headline stealer … from the brink of full retirement to the edge of a championship.  Combine what Martin did, in his first year with a new team, with the way Ron Hornaday Jr. dominated in the Camping World Truck Series, and it’s easy to see 50 is the new 20.  Mark Martin is a champion in my mind. His work ethic, the way he treats people and the respect he has of his colleagues and fans mean more than any trophy ever could.”

– Krista Voda, SPEED host

Q: Who was the biggest surprise of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season?

“Hands down, Juan Pablo Montoya was the biggest surprise of the 2009 season.  Not only did his team hit on something and start knocking down top-10 and top-five finishes, they nearly won the Brickyard 400 and made the Chase.  And for a while there, Montoya appeared a legitimate threat for the championship, all the while staying true to himself.  I love to see an unapologetic hard charger.”

–Steve Byrnes

“The biggest surprise, hands down, was Marcos Ambrose.”

– Mike Joy

“It’s a tie for me in this category between Kyle Busch failing to make the Chase and Carl Edwards’ goose egg in the win column. Kyle had the wins while Carl made the Chase, but neither reached the level of success attained a year before. They would be the first, and second, to agree.”

– Krista Voda

Q: Is Jimmie Johnson underrated?
“Absolutely – the guy doesn’t get a fraction of the credit owed to him.  Johnson is one of the most underrated drivers to ever have climbed behind the wheel of a race car and one of the best.  Sometimes, nice guys do finish first and in Johnson’s case, they finish first four consecutive years.”

– Steve Byrnes

“I’m not worried about Johnson being underrated because folks tend to live in the here and now.  Right now, it looks easy, and some fans are even saying that Jimmie had it all ‘handed’ to him.  Over time, the sport and its followers will realize how big an accomplishment this is.”

– Mike Joy

“Jeff Burton said it’s nearly impossible to be truly appreciated within your own era. Yes, Jimmie Johnson is underrated now but I think his achievements will be revered to the level at which they deserve sometime in the future.”

– Krista Voda

Q: What is the best rivalry in NASCAR right now?
“The best rivalry going is Brad Keselowski versus the rest of the field.  Just wait a couple of months – Denny Hamlin won’t be the only driver standing in the anti-Keselowski line.  But I love Brad’s unbridled enthusiasm. He reminds me of a young Ernie Irvan but he just needs to learn how to harness some of that passion before someone harnesses it for him.”

– Steve Byrnes

“The Montoya-Stewart dust-up in Homestead was just a skirmish, but it’s the one that is going to be on the minds of the fans all winter.  That’ll keep people talking and that’s good for the sport.  Nothing like a couple of (mostly) dormant volcanoes to stir things up.  The Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski feud bears watching, also.

“Actually, NASCAR’s biggest rivalry is Dale Jr. versus the COT platform.  The sport needs Jr. to win that battle, and soon.”

– Mike Joy

“Last year, the most heated rivalry seemed to be Kyle Busch versus the fans. But I think the fans are warming up to him lately. He’s earned their respect with the way he drives. I would love to see a true driver versus driver rivalry created in the Cup Series and I definitely think we need it.”

– Krista Voda

Q: Who or what was the biggest disappointment of the season?
“The year’s biggest letdown was that Carl Edwards didn’t win a race, and that after Matt Kenseth’s two season-opening wins, the Fords pretty much disappeared from contention.”

– Mike Joy

Q: What is Johnson’s place in NASCAR history?
“Jimmie’s four-peat easily places him in the all-time NASCAR top ten.  I wouldn’t put him alongside Richard Petty and David Peason just yet, but let’s say he’s knocking on the door of the top five.”

– Mike Joy

Q: If you were NASCAR and could make one change over the off-season, what would it be?
“I would love to see NASCAR provide a bigger incentive for winning races.  I don’t care if it’s five points or 50.  Anything would help.”

– Steve Byrnes

Q: What are your thoughts on the inaugural Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas?
“Personally, I’ve always been a huge fan of the banquet being held in New York City. But, professionally, I understand the need for change. I think moving the Awards Ceremony to Las Vegas has infused new life and energy into the event. Glitz and glamour should be oozing out the sides of this year’s banquet.”

– Krista Voda

SPEED, now in more than 79 million homes in North America, is the exclusive home of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Gatorade Duel at Daytona, NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The only network delivering  live, at-track programming all season long, SPEED offers the definitive pre- and post-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series programs – NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane, as well as other popular NASCAR programs including Trackside Live, NASCAR Performance, NASCAR Live!, NASCAR Race Hub, This Week in NASCAR, NCWTS Setup and NASCAR in a Hurry.
- SPEED TV, Press Release

With the 2009 banquet being held in Las Vegas on Dec. 4 at the Wynn, 2009 champion Jimmie Johnson will spend this week on a two state tour of sorts.

The champion’s tour starts on Monday with a student assembly at Crest Elementary School in El Cajon, Calif., which just happens to be Johnson’s elementary alma mater. While in the area, he will award grants to 11 San Diego-area schools through his Jimmie Johnson Foundation. Johnson will also visit with Marines at Camp Pendleton and visit a Lowe’s store before calling it a day. - Full Story by Amanda Vincent – Louisville NASCAR Examiner

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week - NASCAR Graphics

Johnson, who drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet owned by Hendrick Motorsports, heads west for the inaugural Champion’s Week in Las Vegas – and the celebration of Johnson’s unprecedented fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

The 34-year-old El Cajon, Calif., native wrapped up the 2009 championship a week ago at Homestead-Miami Speedway capping a season in which Johnson won seven races and gave the Hendrick Motorsports organization its record 12th NASCAR national-series crown.

Johnson will have much to do during a busy, two-state Champion’s Week schedule that features more fan involvement than ever. The week culminates with the formal NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on Friday night.

• Monday – Johnson will attend three events beginning with an 11 a.m. PT student assembly at Crest Elementary School in El Cajon, Calif., the school Johnson attended. His Jimmie Johnson Foundation will award grants to 11 San Diego-area schools. Johnson will then host an interactive fan fest for United States Marines and their families at Camp Pendleton, Calif., from 3-7 p.m. PT followed by a homecoming celebration at Lowe’s, 9416 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, Calif., from 7-10 p.m. PT.

• Tuesday – Johnson will host a Fan Appreciation Breakfast and Champion’s Q&A from 10 a.m.-noon PT at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The event is open to 700 of the track’s invited guests. Johnson will participate in a print media roundtable at the track at 9:30 a.m. PT and be available for affiliate interviews at 11:45 a.m. PT. In Las Vegas, the series’ 2009 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, Joey Logano (No. 20 Home Depot Toyota), will participate in a media tour.

• Wednesday – The champion’s Las Vegas celebration begins at 10 a.m. PT with the Chasers for Charity Fanfest at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Neon Garage. The free-admission portion of the event includes a red-carpet walk by the champion and other 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, car displays, live music, reduced-price concessions and a raffle drawing. A Charity Roast of Johnson will be held at 1:30 p.m. PT in the speedway’s Blackjack Club and is open to the first 300 people who respond (information at www.lvms.com). A $250 tax-deductible donation to Speedway Children’s Charities, includes a private reception with Johnson and Chase participants plus reserved seats and parking. The event will be shown on closed-circuit television in the Neon Garage.

• Thursday – The annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards event will be held from 1-2:45 p.m. PT in the Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. Johnson will be joined by the rest of the top 12 drivers in the 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano and other annual award winners. Race fans will get to see Johnson and fellow Chase drivers participate in a Victory Lap parade in their show cars on Las Vegas Boulevard – the city’s legendary “Strip” – beginning at 3:15 p.m. PT at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. “Mr. Las Vegas,” Wayne Newton, will drop the green flag to start the event. The lap includes a pit stop and “burnout” at the Spring Mountain Road intersection before returning to the MGM Grand at 4 p.m. PT.

• Friday – Johnson formally accepts his 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship awards. He, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony that evening at Wynn’s Las Vegas. SPEED will televise the event live from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. PT.

2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Champion: Jimmie Johnson

2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Owner Champion: Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports

Final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12: 1. Jimmie Johnson, 6,652; 2. Mark Martin, 6,511; 3. Jeff Gordon, 6,473; 4. Kurt Busch, 6,446; 5. Denny Hamlin, 6,335; 6. Tony Stewart, 6,309; 7. Greg Biffle, 6,292; 8. Juan Pablo Montoya, 6,252; 9. Ryan Newman, 6,175; 10. Kasey Kahne, 6,128; 11. Carl Edwards, 6,118; 12. Brian Vickers, 5,929.

Raybestos Rookie of the Year: Joey Logano

- NASCAR, Press Release