Yarborough passes torch to Johnson at Cup banquet

NEW YORK -- Cale Yarborough passed the torch.

The first driver to win three consecutive titles on NASCAR's premier series shared the stage Friday night with the only other man to achieve that feat, presenting Jimmie Johnson with his champion's ring at the Sprint Cup awards banquet in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

Party Time

It was a festive night at the Waldorf-Astoria as NASCAR honored its top drivers at the sport's annual award ceremony.

• Watch all the speeches

"Somebody finally did it," said Yarborough, who came out to a standing ovation. "But it took them 30 years. I hope Jimmie realizes that NASCAR is 60 years old, and there are only two of us who have done it in those 60 years. It's a rare achievement."

Johnson, who as a youngster idolized Yarborough, seemed stunned by the visit. "That's the man," he said. "... I still can't believe he was here."

Yarborough won consecutive titles from 1976-78. Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt all made runs at tying that mark, but no one succeeded -- until Johnson.

"All records are meant to be broken or tied," Yarborough said. "Tied, really, is all he's done. But if anyone was to tie it, I'm glad it's Jimmie. I'm sure he's going to win a bunch more. Just give it one year."

In addition to the Sprint Cup trophy, Johnson was presented a check for $7.2 million by Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. "To look at what Cale has done, and to see all the great drivers, I feel like I'm watching a movie as I do this," Johnson said.

Even amid the opulence of the Waldorf-Astoria, it was impossible not to notice signs of the ongoing economic recession. Ford and Chevrolet canceled events that typically coincide with banquet night, and in accepting the manufacturer's championship trophy, Chevy brand manager Ed Peper urged support for struggling U.S. automakers. "This is the fight of our lives," he said.

Sixth-place finisher Jeff Burton added a personal plea. "This is a company that's supported us for a long time," he said, referring to Chevrolet, the nameplate on his No. 31 car. "It's time for us to support them."

Accompanied by Betty Jane France, the widow of former series chairman Bill France Jr., actor Kevin Costner presented a historical perspective of NASCAR's first 60 years, drawing connections between champions from Lee Petty to Earnhardt -- whom he incorrectly referred to as "the Terminator" -- to Johnson. Richard Petty provided his own recollections, and closed with a challenge to the reigning champion.

"The next time I'm up here, I want to see if Jimmie can make seven," he said, looking directly at Johnson, and referring to the record of seven titles he shares with Earnhardt. "Think you can handle that?"