LAS VEGAS-Jimmie Johnson was celebrated Friday night for winning his record-tying seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup title, while Tony Stewart was seen off into retirement and Dale Earnhardt Jr. told his adoring fans he'll be ready to race in 2017.
Johnson's dramatic victory in the finale last month at Homestead moved him into a tie with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most series championships. Johnson was to make his speech last at the season-ending banquet at the Wynn Las Vegas.
NASCAR honored Stewart, who retired after an 18-year career that included three series championships, with a video poking fun at his coarse language, weight and temper and with a surprise appearance by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder.
Car owner Rick Hendrick then announced a $1.8 million donation by the the motorsports industry to Vedder's children charity in Stewart's
name.
"Totally caught off guard," Stewart said. "But really honored that Eddie Vedder would come here for this and I'm so excited the racing community raised that kind of money to help that charity."