New York, NY (Sports Network) - Jimmie Johnson's championship week in New York
City was capped off with an unexpected on-stage appearance by Cale Yarborough
during Friday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf-
Astoria Hotel. Yarborough presented Johnson his championship ring.
Johnson joined Yarborough as the only drivers to win three consecutive Cup
championships, with Yarborough accomplishing the feat from 1976-78.
"Somebody finally did it," Yarborough said. "I set a pretty good record,
didn't I? It took them 30 years to tie it. There are only two of us who have
done it in the 60 years of the sport...I know he's going to win some more
championships. Maybe he can skip a year, though."
During his speech, Yarborough told team owner Rick Hendrick if there was a
ride open at his organization, he could have the first 70-year-old champion.
Johnson captured his third title in a row this year with seven wins and 22
top-10 finishes, ending the season 69 points ahead of Carl Edwards.
"What a surprise and what an honor to have Cale present me with the
championship ring," Johnson said. "I'm pretty much floored."
Johnson collected more than $7.2 million for his championship, bringing his
2008 season total winnings to just above $15 million.
After being introduced by Betty Jane France, the widow of former NASCAR
chairman Bill France, Jr., actor Kevin Costner commemorated the 60th
anniversary of the sport. Costner was later joined on stage by seven-time Cup
champion Richard Petty.
Tom Cruise was also in attendance, sitting at the same table with Johnson's
teammate, Jeff Gordon.