NASCAR President also extends best wishes to Ambrose ahead of final start
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HOMESTEAD, Fla. — The final NASCAR drivers’ meeting of the year had extra glitz greeting a full complement of celebrity guests and industry leaders. It also came with an extra reminder from NASCAR President Mike Helton.
Helton addressed drivers, crew chiefs and team principals before Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400 (3 p.m. ET, ESPN), the season finale that will decide the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.
“Today is historic. We’ll go into today’s race and come out later this afternoon with a champion,” Helton said. “I ask each team on the track to remind yourselves constantly through the day, as we’ve had conversations publicly and privately, and you’ve exhibited very nicely on the race track how the events can unfold naturally. It’s very important that today’s race unfolds naturally, please, so that the fans can enjoy the event and when the race is over with, we can all celebrate our 2014 championship.”
Helton also singled out Marcos Ambrose, who will return to continue his racing career in his native Australia after the season finale. Though it may well be his final start after a nine-year run spanning all three national series, Helton said he was welcome back in NASCAR any time.
“It’s been fun having you with us,” Helton said as Ambrose stood and waved during an ovation. “We wish you the best in all you do.”
Helton extended a tribute to America’s military by recognizing representatives with the Honor and Remember foundation and NASCAR Troops to the Track Presented by Bank of America in partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation. He also acknowledged delegates from all three manufacturers that participate in NASCAR’s top division.
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