White House to honor Johnson and 2010 Chase field

President Barack Obama and Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson on the South Lawn
of the White House in 2009. Credit: Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

Just a few days before the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup lineup will be determined, reigning Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and the 2010 Chase drivers will be honored by President Barack Obama at the White House next Wednesday.

Joining Johnson, the five-time consecutive champion, and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France on the South Lawn will be the following members of the 2010 Chase field: Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart will not be able to attend.

In what has become a tradition, the Sprint Cup champion has been honored at the White House since 2000.

As part of Wednesday’s visit, Obama will recognize Johnson and NASCAR for their efforts to give back to their communities.

UPDATE: Kurt Busch said Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway that he will be attending Wednesday's event at the White House.