Champion's Week set for return to Las Vegas

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A safe bet: Las Vegas is a perfect setting for the high-energy, fan-friendly activities encompassing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week, a postseason celebration that showcases the nation's No. 1 form of motorsports while also honoring its top driver -- and its ultra-loyal fan base.

Following last season's successful debut of Champion's Week in Las Vegas, NASCAR is bringing the party back in December, capped by the 2010 Cup Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 3 at one of the city's premier resorts, Wynn Las Vegas. SPEED once again will provide same-day coverage. Other details regarding the event, such as entertainment planned, will be announced in the near future.

The ceremony will culminate several days of whirlwind activity involving not only the series' champion, but also the other drivers who finished in the top 12 of the final standings and qualified for NASCAR's "playoffs" -- the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

NASCAR moved postseason activities for the Cup Series to Las Vegas last year after a 28-year run in New York. The Las Vegas community responded -- and so did the thousands of fans who flocked to catch a glimpse of stock-car racing's biggest stars. Some especially lucky fans got some up-close looks, as guests at the awards show. It marked the first time fans were able to attend.

"That was a huge success and really personified what we're trying to do in Las Vegas -- take our champion and our other top drivers directly to the fans," NASCAR chairman Brian France said. "Overall, we wanted to re-energize Champion's Week with lots of fan involvement and Las Vegas was just what we needed to make that happen."

For the second consecutive year, fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the Cup Series champion at the awards ceremony. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners and teams through various fan promotions. Fan tickets will offer fans the following Champion's Week experiences:

• NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon seats
• NASCAR After The Lap access
• Fan reception & Red Carpet walk prior to the awards ceremony
• Awards ceremony seats

Rundown of Champion's Week activities:

Wednesday, Dec. 1

• NASCAR Street Tour
Two tricked-out NASCAR interactive Ford vehicles are scheduled to appear all week throughout Las Vegas with dynamic street teams, interactive video games and free giveaways.

• NASCAR Pit Stop Tour
The program will run Dec. 1-3, consisting of Official Partner show cars placed in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas strip. Brand ambassadors at each location will be on site from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for all three days, engaging the fans.

• Chasers for Charity Event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Gates open at 10 a.m. The Richard Petty Driving Experience will offer rides with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to charity. The speedway will offer tours of the facility. There will be interactive displays throughout the track's "Neon Garage." Live music on the main stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. In addition, all 12 Chase drivers will participate in a Family Feud-style game show hosted by Kevin Burke between 2-3:30 p.m. Admission to the Fanfest is free to the public, and mass transportation will be available from the strip and downtown.

Thursday, Dec. 2

• NASCAR/NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon
This will begin at 11 a.m. in the Bellagio Ballroom at the Bellagio. This annual industry/media gathering includes the presentation of awards to the champion crew chief, champion sponsor, Raybestos Rookie of the Year and most popular driver. For the first time, fans will also have an opportunity to attend this event, co-hosted by NASCAR and National Motor Sports Press Association.

• Victory Lap
Set for 3:30 p.m., Victory Lap will feature the top 12 drivers motoring -- loudly -- along the famed Las Vegas strip in their teams' respective race cars. Victory Lap will feature an authentic pit stop along the route and two burn-out sections for drivers, a certain fan favorite. Victory Lap will start in front of Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino and end at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

• NASCAR After The Lap
Starting at 4:30 p.m., this is a free event for fans at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, featuring an unfiltered question-and-answer session with drivers and an interactive Coca-Cola Fan Zone experience. Select NASCAR fans will be awarded NASCAR-themed prizes, including a 2011 Ford Taurus SHO. The Coca-Cola Fan Zone opens at noon, with doors to NASCAR After The Lap opening at 3 p.m. General admission seats are free, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans can register for tickets at www.nascarafterthelap.com starting on Sept. 13.

Friday, Dec. 3

• 2010 Cup Series Awards Ceremony
The big show will start at 6 p.m., crowning the series' champion driver and owner -- and honoring the other drivers who finished in the top 10 in the final standings.