New York, NY (Betting Express) - Jimmie Johnson's championship week in New York City was capped off with an unexpected on-stage appearance by Cale Yarborough during Friday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf- Astoria Hotel. Yarborough presented Johnson his championship ring.

Johnson joined Yarborough as the only drivers to win three consecutive Cup championships, with Yarborough accomplishing the feat from 1976-78.

"Somebody finally did it," Yarborough said. "I set a pretty good record, didn't I? It took them 30 years to tie it. There are only two of us who have done it in the 60 years of the sport...I know he's going to win some more championships. Maybe he can skip a year, though."

During his speech, Yarborough told team owner Rick Hendrick if there was a ride open at his organization, he could have the first 70-year-old champion.

Johnson captured his third title in a row this year with seven wins and 22 top-10 finishes, ending the season 69 points ahead of Carl Edwards.

"What a surprise and what an honor to have Cale present me with the championship ring," Johnson said. "I'm pretty much floored."

Johnson collected more than $7.2 million for his championship, bringing his 2008 season total winnings to just above $15 million.

After being introduced by Betty Jane France, the widow of former NASCAR chairman Bill France, Jr., actor Kevin Costner commemorated the 60th anniversary of the sport. Costner was later joined on stage by seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty.

Tom Cruise was also in attendance, sitting at the same table with Johnson's teammate, Jeff Gordon.