Cup awards banquet to be broadcast live on Classic

Surrounded by the glitz and glamour of New York, Jimmie Johnson officially will be crowned as the 2008 Sprint Cup Series champion during the series' annual awards banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria. ESPN Classic will have live coverage at 9 p.m. ET Friday.

In addition to Johnson and the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team, the rest of the season's top 10 Cup Series drivers will be honored. The banquet will feature a musical performance by Matchbox 20, stand-up comedy from John Pinette and a special historical segment with actor Kevin Costner.

Dr. Jerry Punch, lead announcer for ESPN's NASCAR racing coverage, will be the onstage master of ceremonies for the banquet.

The banquet re-airs on Monday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. on ESPN2.