NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson poses with the trophy during Day 1 of Champions Week. (Photo: Getty Images)

“In New York, you go to celebrate, in Vegas, you go to party,’’ said Las Vegas native Kurt Busch, one of the top-10 drivers honored Friday night. “There’s restaurants, shopping and nightclubs in New York. But, here in Vegas, there’s the electricity and it’s just easier to get around.’’

There’s also an incredible treasure trove of entertainers available in Vegas.

The dinner in New York always had performances by top entertainers, but nothing like Friday night, where impressionist/comedian Frank Caliendo was the emcee and was joined by the all-female string quarter Escala, singers David Gray and Brooks and Dunn, along with comedians John Pinette and ventriloquist and singer Terry Fator.

The focal points of the week, though, were Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and team owner Rick Hendrick, each of whom was praised over and over again – and for good reason.

Ninth-place finisher Ryan Newman suggested Johnson might consider an early retirement after so much success, a thought that was seconded by seventh-place Biffle and two-time champ and sixth-place finisher Tony Stewart.

“Jimmie, you keep kicking our butts every week,’’ said Juan Pablo Montoya, who finished eighth in the points. “It’s great to see you here, but it really sucks, to be honest.’’

Fan favorite Mark Martin, who finished second for the fifth time in his Cup career at the age of 50, looked at his teammate and said, “Man, you sure know how to steal a guy’s thunder, don’t you?’’

Hendrick, whose team has now matched Petty Enterprises with its ninth Cup championship, was surprised when he was presented with the Bill France Award of Excellence, given periodically to someone who has made major contributions to the stock car sport.

The emotional owner was moved to tears and had to briefly pause before continuing with his remarks.

“Jimmie, when someone isn’t there to challenge you, you find a way to challenge yourself,’’ Hendrick said to his top driver. “Now, you are officially the standard.’’

Finally, after four jam-packed hours, Johnson was presented with his trophy.

As the televised portion of the evening ended, Johnson gave his competitors an ominous message.

“It took (winning) three to win four,’’ he said. “Now that we’ve got four, maybe we can get five.’’

One thing is certain: The awards dinner in Las Vegas next year will be even bigger and better than the inaugural Sin City event. And that’s saying something.

– Mike Harris can be reached at mharris@racintoday.com