NASCAR Awards: Johnson gracious in victory, Earnhardt eager for return

The sport feted seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson and bade farewell to multi-motorsports giant Tony Stewart.

Among the indelible memories etched from genuine surprises throughout the evening were lessons from the past and visions for the future.

A gracious champion

Johnson could not have been more gracious during his acceptance speech. He studied Dale Earnhardt’s seventh and final champion’s speech from 1994 when the Intimidator tied Richard Petty’s previous title record for inspiration before crafting his own words.

Clearly, Johnson captured the gravity of the moment.

“I might have won as many championships as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, but I will never be The King or the Intimidator,” Johnson said. “I’m just a guy from California who always wanted to race.”

While Johnson bridged NASCAR’s generations, Roger Penske offered a historical perspective of the sport’s roots after receiving the Bill France Award of Excellence. Penske, who celebrated his 50th season in racing highlighted by 14 championships in four series, 16 Indianapolis 500s and two Daytona 500s, was clearly surprised by the honor.

“I knew Bill France Jr. for 50 years,” Penske said. “As a young guy racing myself, I got to know him. He and his dad were very important in my racing life from the standpoint of where we went and what we wanted to do.

"Also when we got into the speedway business, Bill was the one that said, ‘Go ahead and buy Michigan Speedway.’ I have to say that was important in the partnership with International Speedway Corporation. It was something I’ll never forget, to be part of the legacy of the France family in dealing with the speedways the way that we did.

“More important is, Bill was a guy on the ground. He ran the business from the ground up, not from the top down. Certainly, from my perspective, was a leader in this sport. We’re all here tonight because of Bill and what he did and carrying on the legacy of his dad.”

Dale Jr. accepts Most Popular Driver award again

Another multi-generational NASCAR icon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., referred to his 14th National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award as “a bit of a gift” on Friday. After missing half of the 2016 Sprint Cup Season due to a concussion, Earnhardt credited Junior Nation with providing the incentive to race and return to the track in 2017.

“I certainly got some extra support this year through the injury and all that stuff,” Earnhardt said. “It was unfortunate to be in that position, but the fans were great. That was an incredible motivator for me during my recovery to get healthy. Not a lot of people that go through those types of situations have that kind of support group, but the fans really made a world of difference.

“I was pretty open and transparent in sharing the process — and they were certainly open and honest in replying and wishing us well. It made the bad days better. Once I started feeling good about coming back, it gave me a lot of motivation and maybe a reminder I guess of why I want to be back in the car. You race to have fun and win races, but it wouldn't even be worth making the trip if the fans didn't show up. They're a huge reason why we want to get back in the car and be back at the track next year.”

"I feel 100%"

As for when NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver might return behind the wheel of a race car, Earnhardt told Motorsport.com there is a plan.

“I’ll be happy to tell you guys what we’ve got planned when the time is right,” Earnhardt said. “But we do have a good plan. NASCAR has been very easy to work with. They made a new rule for situations like this to would allow a driver to get back on the track in a bit of an open test without any data acquisition or anything like that on the car. We’ll get out there and spend half of day making some long runs and getting a good idea whether I’m ready to go.

“I feel 100 percent. I don’t think we will have any issues. If all that goes as to plan, we’ll go to the Phoenix test, which is a NASCAR test in January and we’ll be plugged back into work, right were we when we started last year…I feel like my old self.”

Preparation before comeback

Earnhardt experienced issues with his vision and balance as well as bouts with nausea when he was sidelined. He added the pressure to return to racing slowed his healing process. But Earnhardt continued his exercises and has returned to the racing simulator.

But before Earnhardt marries long-time girlfriend Amy Reimann on Dec. 31, he wants to make sure his racing career is back on track.

“I’ve been through the simulator several times and I was getting sick in the simulator before I was injured,” Earnhardt said. “I’ve been able to do the simulator without any vision issues or nausea at all.

“It’s really something for my peace of mind. I don’t necessarily have to check that box to compete next year, to get through the process. The two best things you can really do to bring down the anxiety level and the stress and that will help me personally.”