Most memorable moments at NASCAR After The Lap

The ride begins! In 2009, the NASCAR After The Lap event showed that Champion's Week in Las Vegas would never be the same. Here's some of the most memorable moments from the event's inception at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand Hotel/Casino to the most recent event at The Palms Pearl Concert Theater.

2009: Jimmie Johnson and showgirls? Clearly, NASCAR After The Lap would be a different event to cap off the NASCAR season. At this point in his career, Johnson was simply known as 'Four-Time.'

2010: Like gifts? How about a free car? Carl Edwards surprises this lucky fan.

2010: Jimmie Johnson, meet Carrot Top. The comedian ushered in a tradition that still exists today -- special celebrity guests galore at NASCAR After The Lap.

2011: Why yes, that is Jeff Gordon break dancing. Proof that you never know what you'll see at NATL.

2011: This dance has stood the test of time and is often replayed in GIF form.

2011: Tony Stewart brought a little extra flair to the party -- his championship-winning No. 14 Chevrolet.

2012: Never before had we seen the Sprint Cup Series champion interact with the crowd like Brad Keselowski did this year.

2012: Tony Stewart in a push-up contest? Why, yes! Challenged by TV host Rutledge Wood, Stewart cranked out six -- with good form -- in a row before Wood cracked up.

2012: Not to be outdone by Jeff Gordon's break dancing the previous year, Denny Hamlin taught us all how to Dougie -- all for charity, naturally.

2013: Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick were among the many drivers who opened up more than usual during ESPN reporter Marty Smith's first year as host. It went so well that Smith was back the next year.

2014: Musician Cassadee Pope was such a hit, she's been invited back to the track several times to perform the national anthem.

2014: Kevin Harvick celebrated his championship under the new Chase format, then later brought 2-year-old son Keelan up on stage in one of the sweetest moments in event history.

2015: The jokes and funny moments were still there in full force last year, but the event took on a tender tone as well with drivers honoring the retiring Jeff Gordon. Little did they know ...

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 01: Hosts Rutledge Wood and Guy Fieri talk during NASCAR After The Lap at The Pearl concert theater at Palms Casino Resort on December 1, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.