LAS VEGAS – The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season came to its conclusion Friday evening as the series celebrated the accomplishments of the top 16 drivers in the final standings and lauded its champion, Kevin Harvick. The black-tie gala was hosted by comedian Jay Mohr who took several shots at drivers during his opening monologue. In his acceptance speech Harvick credited his race team and his family, particularly his two-year-old son Keelan, for giving him the focus necessary to win his first title in NASCAR’s top series. Dale Earnhardt Jr. with the Most Popular Driver Award (via Twitter) “From a kid in Bakersfield who just wanted to race,” Harvick said, “just wanted to live out his dream, just for fun, did it as a hobby, this season has been a dream come true.” Harvick was not immune to Mohr’s mocking, but also evoked a sincere moment from the host. “It’s pictures like this that show you what NASCAR is all about,” Mohr said. “And we all know in this room, it’s about family. This is a family, and Kevin Harvick, my friend, what better way to celebrate your first Sprint Cup Series championship than here tonight being honored by your NASCAR family.” For the 12th straight year Dale Earnhardt Jr. was once again picked as the series Most Popular Driver; he thanked his nation of fans for the honour and spoke of how he has enjoyed interacting with them on Twitter this year. Daniel Noltemeyer of Louisville secured the fourth annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, winning a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation and a 2015 Camry from award sponsor Toyota on behalf of Best Buddies Kentucky, a group that organizes social programs and awareness for people with developmental disabilities. Besides Mohr, entertainment for the function was provided by Lady Antebellum, Lennon and Maisy, and Aloe Blaac. Jake Owen played at the private champions after-party. PHOTO GALLERY NASCAR Hall of Fame Len Wood with his guest Jay Mohr Another Harvick family photo Kyle and Samantha Busch Lade Antebellum Matt and Katie Kenseth Greg and Nicole Biffle Kevin, Delana, and Keelan Harvick Brad Keselowski with girlfriend Paige White Hosts Mike Joy and Krista Voda Brad Keselowski Keelan Harvick Ryan Newman with Melissa Rivers Jeff Gordon with Cassadee Pope Lady Antebellum Keelan Harvick – tux and trophy! Jimmie and Chandra Johnson Aloe Blacc Jeff Gordon Joey Logano with fiance Brittany Baca Kevin Harvick speaks Kasey Kahne Melissa Rivers Dale Earnhardt Jr, with girlfriend Amy Reiman Jeff Gordon with his wife Ingrid Vandebosch Melissa Rivers Kurt Busch with mom Gaye Busch Aric and Janice Almirola Kevin Harvick Lennon and Maisy The Harvick family on the red carpet Carl and Kate Edwards Guy Fieri Brian and Amy France Denny Hamlin with girlfriend Jordan Fish
