NEW YORK -- Surrounded by his peers and the opulence of one of New York's most historic venues, Jimmie Johnson collected his second consecutive Nextel Cup trophy and a check for $7,317,499, the largest ever awarded in NASCAR.

"To be in this room as a champion, surrounded by the best in motorsports, is so special," Johnson said Friday night during the Nextel Cup awards ceremony in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

Each of the top-10 drivers took home a hefty bonus, ranging from Johnson's record amount to the $1,366,535 collected by 10th-place finisher Kevin Harvick.

But the highlight of the evening was a stirring tribute to late series champion Bill France Jr., delivered by friend Tom Brokaw. The former network anchorman praised France's simplicity, right down to his fondness for Taco Bell. When Brokaw last visited France, the two dined on hamburgers in the Daytona infield (watch video).

"Bill France Jr. was impressed by no one," Brokaw said, "and that included himself."

There were other emotional moments as well. Series runner-up Jeff Gordon briefly halted his speech and wiped his eyes when thanking his wife, Ingrid. "Not gonna cry. Skip that part," said Gordon, who famously broke down when accepting his first series championship.

Eighth-place driver Jeff Burton issued a challenge to those concerned by NASCAR'S declining television ratings. "The best days are ahead of this sport," he said.

But much of the night was lighthearted, from comedic routines by David Spade to videos featuring drivers in personal moments with wives or girlfriends. Well, except for sixth-place Tony Stewart, who was featured with crew chief Greg Zipadelli "Since I'm not married, he had to fill the wife role in the video," Stewart said.

Even New York governor Elliott Spitzer got into the act, touting the toughness of Manhattan traffic.

"Jimmie, to show you how tough we are, meet me tomorrow morning and I'll challenge you to a lap around Manhattan," Spitzer said. "Winner gets to drive for [team owner] Rick [Hendrick] next year."

Johnson replied that he wouldn't be up yet. "Oh, I'll get you up," Spitzer said.