Champ time: It's not just about Jimmie
Monday, Nov. 30, 2009
Champion’s Week rolls off Monday, but it’s not all about NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson, the winner of four straight titles. Most of it is, but other competitors and causes are included.
Johnson, the 34-year-old champion from El Cajon, Calif., has clearly earned the attention, winning seven races this season and helping deliver team owner Rick Hendrick’s record 12th NASCAR national crown.
He tied Cale Yarborough's three straight championships last season and now stands alone at four.
After locking up the title Nov. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Johnson did the East Coast media gig, joining New York Yankee/free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon for a photo op at the top of the Empire State Building. He also appeared with Yogi Berra at the baseball hall of famer’s museum in Little Falls, N.J., and made other stops.
Johnson and other leading figures in stock car racing are out west this week for media events, all building toward Friday’s NASCAR awards festivities in Las Vegas. In California and Nevada, Johnson will share some of the spotlight with his team and other competitors in the 10-race Chase playoffs. And some of the events have school and charity ties.
Monday
Johnson will be at the elementary school he attended and will announce grants to 11 San Diego-area schools. He’ll host an event for Marines and families at Camp Pendleton and make a sponsor appearance in Santee.
Tuesday
Johnson will be at an invitation-only event at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and meet with media representatives.
Joey Logano, the Cup rookie of the year, will meet with the media.
Wednesday
Johnson, Logano and Chase drivers will be at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a fan event. Johnson will be “roasted” in a charity event at the track.
Thursday
Johnson, Logano and other award winners will be at the annual National Motorsports Press Association event.
Johnson and the other Chase drivers will be in their show cars on the city’s legendary strip. Wayne Newton will wave the green flag.
Friday
Johnson, his family and his Hendrick team will be in a photo shoot.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will be at Wynn’s Las Vegas.
Speed will have it live from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific time and will rerun it in the days after.
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