Johnson, Stewart, Earnhardt honored

NASCAR closes 2016

LAS VEGAS, Dec 3, (AP): Jimmie Johnson called winning a record-tying seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup title “insane” Friday night, while Tony Stewart was sent off into retirement and Dale Earnhardt Jr told his adoring fans at the season-ending banquet that he’ll be ready to race in 2017.

Johnson’s dramatic victory in the finale last month at Homestead moved him into a tie with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most series championships. Johnson was introduced by 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps at the Wynn Las Vegas.

NASCAR honored Stewart, who retired after an 18-year career that included three series championships, with a video poking fun at his coarse language, weight and temper and with a surprise appearance by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.

Car owner Rick Hendrick then announced a $1.8 million donation by the the motorsports industry to Vedder’s children charity in Stewart’s name.

Earnhardt Jr was voted most popular driver by fans for a record 14th time despite missing the second half of the season following at least the fifth concussion of his career. While not announcing the date or track, he intends to drive a test session this month, the final hurdle before he’ll be cleared to return.

The unflappable Johnson was in his tuxedo more than two hours before the red carpet ceremony smiling for numerous photo shoots. He knows how the process works as the 2016 title secures his spot atop the sport’s hierarchy.

Stewart enjoyed his final awards week before becoming just a NASCAR team owner. His boyhood hero, A.J. Foyt, made a surprise appearance at a Thursday fan event that turned into an impromptu Stewart roast as the sport said goodbye to one of its strongest characters.

Earnhardt sustained a concussion in a June 12 wreck at Michigan. His last start was July 9 at Kentucky as he continued to suffer serious aftereffects that included balance and vision problems.