Championship Week: Day One

NEW YORK -- Matt Kenseth isn't one to talk a big game or call attention to himself, but Monday morning he had no choice.

Kenseth, you see, is the absolute center of attention this entire week for NASCAR and its fans, as his championship season is featured during a weeklong celebration in Manhattan. Included in the festivities is a national appearance schedule, which got underway Monday with NBC's "Today Show" and ABC's "Regis & Kelly."

First on the docket Monday was the "Today Show," where Kenseth, donning gray slacks and overcoat, was part of a guest list that included Ervin "Magic" Johnson, Siegfried Fischbacher and a glittery Boy George.

	Kenseth signs a few autographs outside the Today Show. Credit: Ken Rowe

Prior to his interview with weatherman Al Roker, Kenseth signed autographs for the large gallery gathered around the DeWalt Ford show car, and after the brief interview handed out mini DeWalt cars to Roker, co-host Matt Lauer and the show's crew.

Immediately, Kenseth hopped in a limousine and was whisked off to cook up Wisconsin beer-and-bratwurst on "Regis & Kelly."

Championship Week is also "Cookin' with NASCAR week" on "Regis & Kelly," and after interviews with Melana Scantlin from NBC's "Average Joe" and Nicole Richie from Fox's "Simple Life", Kenseth taught Regis Philbin the proper way to cook beer-and-bratwurst.

When announced, Kenseth emerged from backstage wearing a blue apron as Regis informed the audience that "Kelly was playing with these (bratwursts), and really enjoying herself."

	Kenseth chats with Al Roker of the Today Show. Credit: Ken Rowe

As the duo began preparing the meal, Kenseth explained to Philbin that his father had gotten him into racing. And when the time came to pour in the alcohol, Kenseth made a crowd-pleasing point:

"You can also use wine, but I'm from Wisconsin. We use beer."

The crowd erupted in applause.

Kenseth was the first of five Winston Cup drivers to appear on Live's "Cooking' with NASCAR week." Jimmie Johnson will be featured on the show Tuesday and "Regis & Kelly" regular Jeff Gordon on Wednesday, then Tony Stewart, Thursday and Kevin Harvick, Friday.