It was a sight to see as President Barack Obama honored NASCAR at the White House on Wednesday. Jimmie Johnson, the 2008 Sprint Cup Series champion, was present with his #48 ride parked in the driveway and the Sprint Cup trophy shining on display.

Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

“NASCAR is about a lot more than just racing cars.  It’s as much about what you give back off the track as you give on the track.  It’s about what you’re doing to protect our environment and help America become energy independent — using solar energy, and working to offset carbon emissions, and even hiring a director of green innovation to take your commitment to the next level.  It’s about supporting our troops and our veterans, from flyovers and red, white and blue paint jobs on Memorial Day to your visits to Walter Reed and Iraq and Afghanistan that show our appreciation for the brave men and women who are serving our country. And it’s about all the foundations NASCAR has started to support schools and hospitals, combat hunger and homelessness, and work to help folks in our communities — like the campers here from Victory Junction; kids who can teach us all a thing or two about courage and hope, and I hope had the time of their lives at summer camp. After all, one of the core values of the NASCAR community is the belief that service isn’t just something you do once in a while when it’s convenient — it’s a way of life.  I think Jeff Gordon put it best when he said, simply, ‘Any person out there should do something some way to give back to their community.’ And that’s what folks from more than 150 countries see around the world when they tune in to your races — not just your speed and your skill, but also your compassion, your dedication to your families and our communities, how much you love this country and how strongly you support the heroes who serve it.  That’s the face of America that you show to the world.” – President Barack Obama