The Top 12 Victory Lap Parade held Thursday afternoon under sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s drew thousands of onlookers as “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton dropped the ceremonial green flag. Fans overflowed sidewalks at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Spring Mountain Road to witness what has become a NASCAR race winner’s signature “burn out” celebration performed by Johnson. (From what I understand, Jimmie burned the car down.)
Pit stop demonstrations also were held fronting Bally’s and The Bellagio resorts.
A large crowd also enjoyed a Q&A session with the 12 qualifiers for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup held at the MGM Grand Hotel. The After the Lap Presented by Tissot show followed the Top 12 Victory Lap.
The After the Lap show was pretty hilarious as it was aired on SIRIUS. We heard Tony Stewart decline wanting to “hug it out” with Juan Montoya, but instead offered to hug it out with Juan’s wife, Connie.
A fan question read for the drivers asked Denny Hamlin if he were stuck on a desert island, who would he want with him. The 12-driver panel cracked a rib at that one, but Denny said he’d want Jeff Gordon with him, to learn from. Jeff said “You’re kissing me ass now?” (Yes, we had old-school chatter in the broadcat)
Brad Keselowski was the topic for a bit after Denny’s question, where Tony said he would have “Wrecked the sh** out of him.” and offered sage advice to Denny suggesting if you’re going to wreck someone, do it right.
It was also noted that Denny will have plenty of opportunity to wreck Brad next year.
This get-together was pretty liberal and relaxed and was fun to listen to.
Thursday events ended with the presentation of the SIRIUS XM “Stewie Awards” honoring the best, boldest and brightest moments of the 2009 season.
Johnson formally accepts his 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship awards on Friday. He, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony that evening at Wynn’s Las Vegas. SPEED will televise the event live from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. ET. SIRIUS NASCAR Radio and MRN Radio will also broadcast the ceremony live nationwide.
