NASCAR had held the season-ending ceremony in New York every year since 1981, but NASCAR said the move to Las Vegas provides for greater flexibility for driver and fan events.

"I can't say enough about the warm reception from Las Vegas," NASCAR chairman Brian France said in a statement. "Las Vegas really made it a priority to get the awards ceremony moved there. We were able to come to an agreement on reasonable room blocks, banquet facilities, and approvals to hold fan activities on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

"I also want to thank New York City and especially the Waldorf-Astoria (Hotel) for being such an important part of NASCAR's history over the years. We look forward to a continued presence in the Big Apple where we have so many dedicated fans,"

Earlier this month, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that NASCAR and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reached an agreement in principle to bring the Sprint Cup postseason celebration to Las Vegas.

According to the newspaper's report, the LVCVA would pay NASCAR between $500,000 to $1 million for each year of the contract. Rossi Ralenkotter, the president of the LVCVA, wanted a deal of three to five years.

"Las Vegas is known for having marquee special events, and this partnership further enhances the relationship between Las Vegas and NASCAR," Ralenkotter said. "The strength of the Las Vegas brand leveraged with the brand of NASCAR will generate increased awareness and excitement."

NASCAR also announced the awards ceremony for the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series will be consolidated in South Florida. The top-five finishers from each series will be honored at the combined banquet celebration following the season-ending races in November at Homestead-Miami Speedway.