NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion-s Week Begins In California

Camp Pendleton Marine Base Visit; Fan Appreciation Stops on Jimmie Johnsons Busy Agenda DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Champions Week, a two-state affair in 2009, gets underway Monday, Nov. 30 near NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnsons hometown of El Cajon, California. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation will award grants to several public schools in the San Diego area and Johnson will appear at the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton on Monday afternoon. That evening Johnson will be the guest of honor at a homecoming at Lowes in Santee; and on Tuesday, Dec. 1, Johnson will host a Breakfast and Champions Q&A at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cited Johnsons accomplishments this past Monday, just hours after Johnson became the first driver to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles. His performance is a testament to our states championship spirit and I am proud to say hes from California, the governor said. The championship celebration moves to Las Vegas, Nev. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 with activities leading up to Fridays NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, which is being held for the first time at Wynn Las Vegas. Las Vegas becomes the host city after a 28-year run in New York City. Below is a preview of Monday-Tuesday activities: * Monday, Nov. 30. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation will award grants to 11 San Diego-area schools at 11 a.m. PT at Crest Elementary School in El Cajon, the school Johnson attended. * Monday, Nov. 30, 3-7 p.m. PT. At Camp Pendleton, Johnson will host an interactive fan fest for Marines and their families. The rock band Saving Abel will appear. * Monday, Nov. 30, 7-10 p.m. PT. Homecoming celebration with Jimmie Johnson. Lowes, 9416 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, will host an event honoring Johnson and his recent fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Fans are encouraged to come show their support. The event will include music, video tributes and special guests. * Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-noon PT., Auto Club Speedway. Johnson will participate in a breakfast and Q&A for 700 of the tracks pre-registered guests.