The Associated Press

NEW YORK—In the two weeks since Jimmie Johnson wrapped up his record-tying third straight NASCAR championship, he tried, but failed to reach Cale Yarborough.

Johnson wanted Yarborough, the only other driver in NASCAR history to win three consecutive titles, to be his personal guest at the season-ending awards ceremony to help celebrate their remarkable feats.

“I tried to get up with him, and just never could,” Johnson said of the 69-year-old Yarborough.

But NASCAR had a surprise in store for its reigning champion.