LAS VEGAS -- The 2016 season ended on a high note for everyone at Hendrick Motorsports as Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet SS team claimed their seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.
To wrap up the season, the organization is joining together in Las Vegas for the champion's week celebrations.
Today at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers 2016 Awards Luncheon, Hendrick Motorsports teammates have seen the fruits of their labor this season pay off.
To start, Chase Elliott took home the 2016 Rookie of the Year award. Shortly following, Elliott's crew chief, Alan Gustafson, was named the MOOG Steering and Suspension Problem Solver of the Year.
Hendrick Motorsports also was awarded the MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year award, marking the organization's 20th in a row.
Johnson's seventh championship marked a historical achievement not only for Johnson, but for the organization as a whole as it brought home its 12th Cup title.
In addition to the awards previously mentioned, the following championship awards were also given during the awards luncheon.
Announced yesterday, the No. 48 Lowe's team was recognized as the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew for 2016.
“We’re honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire Hendrick Motorsports athletic department and the No. 48 Lowe’s team," No. 48 pit crew coach Chris Krieg said. "To win pit crew of the year with this group of men is absolutely amazing. They continue to amaze me with their work ethic and professionalism on all levels. The camaraderie on this Lowe’s team is second to none and we’re honored to be a part of this historic championship. The No. 48 Lowe’s team is a true, one heartbeat team."
Lowe's received the Champion Sponsor award and Chad Knaus was recognized as the Champion Crew Chief.
“It’s an honor for me to be standing here before you once again," Knaus remarked, "It truly is. This year was incredibly special. We couldn’t have done it without the help of so much support from so many.”
And right alongside Knaus the entire way has been his driver and friend, Johnson.
“You’ve have accomplished what others only dream of and I’m honored to be your crew chief," Knaus directed toward Johnson. "I’m honestly humbled to be called your friend and your brother. It’s fantastic.”
Johnson also made an appearance on the awards stage as he was given the Sunoco Diamond Performance award, as well as the Goodyear NASCAR Series Champion award.
“A huge thank you to Goodyear and Sunoco for providing these great trophies," Johnson said. "The honor that I have to be up here on stage today to represent our sport, to represent Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports, I'm definitely living the dream. This has been a wild ride. I never expected to have this kind of success in the sport. I dreamed big, but I shouldn’t have overshot those expectations and dreams a long time ago. This is a huge honor and I'm just thankful to do it all with one team, one sponsor and one crew chief.”