Earnhardt, Gordon and Johnson to participate in Champion's Week in Vegas

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.– Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson finished inside the top eight in this year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and the Hendrick Motorsports teammates will be participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week. The championship celebration will be held for the third straight year in Las Vegas. Here is a rundown of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week activities. Please note that all times are local. 

Tuesday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 3

•NASCAR Pit Stop Tour: The Pit Stop Tour program will run from Tuesday through Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 3, consisting of Official Partner show cars placed in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas strip. Brand ambassadors at each location will be on site from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time each day, engaging fans. The planned locations include the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, New York, New York hotel, Fashion Show Mall, Fremont Street, Bally’s and Harrah’s. Chevrolet will be showcasing its vehicles to fans at Fashion Show Mall. Tony Stewart’s 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion's stock car will be featured at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. 

Wednesday, Nov. 30

•Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Champion’s Week Kickoff Event: Held on Fremont Street, this free event starts at 2:15 p.m. local time and will feature a Newlywed Game-type competition among the top-12 drivers, including Earnhardt, Gordon and Johnson. Drivers will be randomly paired by drawings in groups of two, and will answer questions about each other mirroring the famous Newlywed Game style. Each team will also be paired with a fan. The winning drivers and fans will receive suite passes for next year’s NASCAR weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

Thursday, Dec. 1

•NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: This will begin at 11 a.m. in the Bellagio Ballroom at the Bellagio. This annual industry/media gathering includes the presentation of awards to the Champion Crew Chief, Champion Sponsor, Sunoco Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver. Co-hosted by NASCAR and National Motor Sports Press Association, fans can attend this exclusive event for the second-consecutive year.

•NASCAR Victory Lap: Set for 3 p.m., the fan-favorite NASCAR Victory Lap will feature the top 12 drivers parading – with engines growling – down the famed Las Vegas strip in their respective race cars. NASCAR Victory Lap will feature an authentic pit stop along the route and two burn-out sections for drivers. NASCAR Victory Lap will start in front of Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard and end at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

•Fan Zone: Fans can get a front-row seat for the conclusion of NASCAR Victory Lap at the Fan Zone, a free event located at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Beginning at noon, the Fan Zone offers interactive displays from The Sprint Experience and Game Show Network, among others, and is a prelude to NASCAR After the Lap. 

•NASCAR After the Lap: Starting at 4:30 p.m., NASCAR After The Lap is one of the highlights of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week. Tickets for the third-annual event will be available for purchase at NASCARafterthelap.com for $20 each, with proceeds benefitting The NASCAR Foundation, a non-profit organization which raises funds that support children’s charities and important causes throughout the nation.  

Friday, Dec. 2

•2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: The big show will start at 6 p.m. at the Wynn Las Vegas, crowning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner – and honoring the other drivers who finished in the top 10 in the final series standings. SPEED and MRN Radio provides same-day coverage, starting at 9 p.m. ET.