NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson was honored at the White House on Wednesday, August 19. The South Lawn event also included 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers and several past champions and special guests.

“NASCAR is once again honored to have its drivers recognized by the President of the United States,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “NASCAR is rooted deep in America’s fabric and represents the best of sports and side-by-side competition.”

Joining Johnson at the celebration were: Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart. (Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth couldn’t attend due to schedule conflicts).

Past champions and special guests in attendance were: Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Juan Pablo Montoya, Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip.

This was the ninth time the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion has been honored at the White House since 2000. NASCAR’s first official visit to the White House was in 1978 during the Carter administration.

August 21st, 2009 9:16 AM