March of Dimes names Johnson '08 Sportsman

NEW YORK -- Day Three of Champions Week was a busy one for three-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

Johnson got an early start in the morning, by ringing the New York Stock Exchange's Opening Bell, in what has become an annual tradition for the series champion. Following an appearance at the Tissot Countdown Clock event at the Marquee of the Hard Rock Café, Johnson attended the March of Dimes Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where he was the recipient of the organization's Sportsman of the Year award.

• Day 3: Sportsman of the Year
• Day 2: Central Park photos
• N.Y. setting remains strong
• Breakdown of events
• Champions Week site

Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and team owner Rick Hendrick later attended a media luncheon at Foley's Pub and Restaurant, where more than 40 New York and Northeast region media visited with and interviewed the three key components of this year's No. 48 championship team.

A host of NASCAR fans from the area also were in attendance, as Johnson posed for photographs and signed autographs for the faithful. 2008 Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith also was recognized at the luncheon.

"It [winning three consecutive championships] is starting to sink in some," said Johnson, who joins Cale Yarborough as the only NASCAR drivers to ever win three consecutive titles. "I probably won't realize just how special this run's been until I retire one day.

"I can tell you that we're already looking ahead to next season, and doing all we can to win another championship. I can remember I was up in our transporter at Texas late in the season and Chad [Knaus] was already studying some computer data regarding next year's Daytona 500 car."

Hendrick, who won his eighth team championship this season, says the accomplishments of the No. 48 team have been extraordinary.

"The work and dedication from this race team have been second to none," Hendrick said. "To win three [consecutive] championships in a sport as competitive as NASCAR is really extra special."

Knaus applauded the leadership Hendrick provides to the entire organization.

"To win three in a row is a real tribute to the leadership "Mr. H" provides our team," said Knaus, who becomes the first crew chief in NASCAR history to win three consecutive championships. "He's such a special person in my life."

Smith, a native of Upstate New York, said winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award was a "tremendous honor."

"Being able to celebrate this award in my home state is really a big deal," Smith said. "This is actually my first trip to New York and I know it's going to be an awesome experience."

• Thursday -- Johnson's major event this day is the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers media luncheon at Cipriani. He'll be joined by the rest of the top 12 drivers in the 2008 Chase, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith and other annual award winners. Following the awards luncheon, Johnson will participate in the traditional Times Square photo shoot outside the Hard Rock Café, then attend the annual Stewie Awards, orchestrated by fellow Cup champion Tony Stewart, at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio studios.

• Friday -- Johnson, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the Sprint Cup Series awards ceremony.