Friday was a day of rest and reflection for NASCAR's local and regional series champions, who attended the Ceremony as a reward for their accomplishments. The champions of all of NASCAR's racing series were brought together to celebrate alongside NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion Jimmie Johnson.

Prior to the Awards Ceremony, which featured live performances by singer/songwriter Jewel and comedian Jay Mohr, most of the champions took advantage of unseasonably warm weather to enjoy the sights and sounds of mid-town Manhattan. Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza and Central Park were popular stops - not to mention the world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue. There was even a marriage proposal offered - and accepted - among the group of champions. On Thursday evening, Gary Lewis of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series became engaged to girlfriend Jodi Hunt.

It was truly a week to remember, or as NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series champion Mike Olsen said, "I don't know what I'll remember most."

Olsen toured the city with his wife, Victoria, enjoying the "V.I.P." experience they received for Mike's second championship. He won the same title in 2001 and the champions' gathering was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season finale.

This trip, said Olsen, provided new experiences and plenty of motivation to return.

"It was quite an honor to be treated like that and to be able to share the championship with Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and all the other champions," Olsen said. "It was pretty neat. I'll remember the bonds we've made with these other champions.

"That was something we came away with in 2001, in Atlanta," Olsen said. "I got to meet some of the guys and stay in touch with them. It's the same thing here - great friendships with all the other champions. It's just a good time. Being exposed to this in New York City, and seeing all that goes on, is pretty neat. It definitely gives you the ambition to want to get back here again."

NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southeast Series champion J.R. Norris departed early Saturday morning to compete in a Super Late Model race in Florida, but enjoyed his final day in New York to its fullest.

"New York is a cool place," Norris said. "For the last five or six years I've watched the banquet on TV, and I got to experience it this year.

"It was really special and it meant a lot to me. Not a lot of people get to do this. This might be my only time to do this, so I've cherished every moment that I've spent here and enjoyed the city. It's been a wonderful experience and hopefully I can do it again."

The class of 2006:

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion - Jimmie Johnson, El Cajon, Calif.
NASCAR Busch Series champion - Kevin Harvick, Bakersfield, Calif.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion - Todd Bodine, Chemung, N.Y.
NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series champion - Eric Holmes, Escalon, Calif.
NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series champion - Mike Olsen, North Haverhill, N.H.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour - Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I.
NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour - Junior Miller, Pine Hall, N.C.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series champion - Tim Schendel, Sparta, Wis.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series champion - Gary Lewis, Bothell, Wash.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southeast Series champion - J.R. Norris, Mulga, Ala.
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series champion - Rip Michels, San Fernando, Calif.
NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series champion - Philip Morris, Ruckersville, Va.