Jimmie Johnson knows what to expect this week. After all, the driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevy got to experience the glitz and the glamour of the Big Apple last year when he won his first Nextel Cup Series championship. This year, he’s back for more. Johnson is returning to the New York City spotlight – and the main stage of the national media – following his successful 2007 defense of his championship and will be the focal point as NASCAR celebrates its 27th annual Champions Week.

“Coming down the steps (of the Waldorf Astoria) started bringing back some memories of last year,” said Johnson, who became the first Nextel Cup Series repeat champion since Jeff Gordon won back to back championships in 1997-98. “The thing I really want to do this year is savor every moment, because before I knew it last year, it was all gone and we were on our way back to North Carolina and the banquet was over. And, I wanted to enjoy those moments a little bit longer.”

Johnson will be joined in this week’s celebration by the Nextel Cup Series top 10 drivers, as well as the champions of NASCAR’s national and regional series. A busy week of national media appearances and activities will culminate with Johnson’s official coronation during Friday night’s awards ceremony. Johnson, who clinched his second straight title in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, arrived in New York Sunday evening. He enjoyed a welcome dinner with NASCAR and Sprint Nextel executives at the sport’s longtime Champions Week headquarters – the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel. His media blitz kicked off Monday with the airing of his appearance on LIVE with Regis & Kelly, followed by appearances on the FOX News Channel’s “Live Desk” and the Sports Net NY “Daily News Live.” Later in the day, Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus helped ring the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange.

Tuesday, November 27 – Johnson will be appearing on the CW Morning Show, FOX Business Network and the Rachel Ray Show. Johnson has photo opportunities scheduled in the afternoon at 48th and 2nd Streets, the historic Flatiron Building and Radio City Music Hall, followed by a satellite media tour and interview on MRN’s NASCAR LIVE.

[NASCAR PR]