The 2007 NASCAR Nextel season came to its end Friday evening with NASCAR Award banquet at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel where the driver, Jimmie Johnson who had a record breaking season, pilling up 1,663 points during the 10-race Chase Cup received the championship's trophy. No less credit received the other Hendrick driver, Jeff Gordon who also posted numbers that would have been a sure ticket to Title Town in any other year, winning six races. A record money amount ($32.8M) was distributed between the top 10 drivers (over $1 million each).
Besides the recognition, Johnson definitely got the hang of being the champion for a consecutive year; he earned $7,317,499 from the Nextel Cup point's fund, bringing his season winnings to $15,313,920; it also brings his career earnings to a $59.5 million. In addition to his winnings, he also received $350,000 for winning four special awards (The Goodyear Gatorback Fastest Lap, The Dow Automotive Strategic Call of the Race Award, the Sunoco Diamond Performance and the Goodyear Award).
Moreover, the 48 Lowe's Chevrolet driver is now listed for the 2007 USA Sports Academy Athlete of the Year award presented by USATODAY.com and MSNBC.com. The chance for him to acquire another title this year is worth thanks to his four straight victories beginning in Martinsville and 10 victories through the post-season, a two digits record not seen since 1998.
The 2007 poll for male athletes includes: pitcher Josh Beckett (Boston Red Sox), quarterback Tom Brady from the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay, Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps and golfer Tiger Woods.
Fans worldwide select the athletes by voting online beginning December 1 and ending December 25. An overall winner is selected, along with male and female athletes of the year. Federer was the 2006 overall winner; Woods the '06 male athlete of the year. Johnson finished third in last year's voting. Hopefully, he will close his season with another award.
