Advertisement

NASCAR: Top-10 Moments From Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony

Christopher Olmstead
Christopher Olmstead

Beyond the Flag

Courtesy of NASCAR.com

From Jeff Gordon tributes, to tacky suits, to looks that could kill someone; the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Award Ceremony had a little bit of everything.

The 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony from Las Vegas was filled with memorable moments.

More from NASCAR

The show not only paid tribute to the legend that is Jeff Gordon but it also recognized the accomplishments of 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. The show was also filled with commentary from the other drivers in the Chase about how their seasons went and what they are looking forward to next season.

The show was also highlighted by some comedy from host Drew Carey (Price Is Right) and the drivers themselves. Even Rutledge Wood contributed to the comedy with his suit selection, although that might not have been what he was going for. If you missed the show or are just looking to relive the best moments, jump in and take a look at the top-10 moments from the night.

Afterwards be sure to comment below or via social media and share with us what your favorite moment from the night and all of championship weekend in Las Vegas was.

Next: From One Brother To Another


Kurt Busch’s Kind Words For Kyle Busch

It seems like forever ago that Kurt Busch won his NASCAR title, heck it actually was forever ago. Although Kurt has been a champion for some time now, he and the rest of the Busch family always believed that Kyle had what it took to get there one day as well. Kyle’s day of course came a couple of weeks ago in Miami.

When Kurt took the stage on Friday night it was touching to hear what he had to say to his little brother. Even more touching was the shout-out that Kurt gave to his parents who were in attendance. What a special moment it must have been for Mr. and Mrs. Busch, to be able to see both of their sons on stage, both NASCAR champions.

The touching moment between Kurt and Kyle was just one of many that took place in the NASCAR world on Friday.

Next: Really Rutledge Wood, Really?


What Is Rutledge Doing?

One of the more interesting moments on Friday in Las Vegas was the suit that Rutledge Wood was wearing.

Wood obviously has a certain image that makes him unique and makes him valuable in the eyes of NASCAR and NBC. Some like what Wood brings to the table while others find it to be annoying. Regardless of your take on Wood, he is obviously doing something right since he is seen on TV on a weekly basis.

That being said, the suit was obnoxious.

Whether or not Wood was going for that remains to be seen. It would seem evident that the suit was worn to make a statement but it was also the focus of many jokes throughout the night. I feel that the night could have done without the suit but maybe that’s just me. Either way, Wood was still a sight to see.

Next: A NASCAR Debate


Drew Carey Leads A NASCAR Debate

With Drew Carey in the house to host the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards it was only a matter of time before the audience was subjected to some comedy.

Overall Carey did a nice job though. Some of the stuff was forced but that’s usually how it is with awards shows. This particular skit was actually pretty funny. It’s also nice to see drivers have a sense of humor and be able to take a shot at themselves. Jimmie Johnson and Paul Menard had no issue allowing themselves to be made fun of a bit and that’s nice to see.

Also, I’m not so sure that it was Jamie McMurray that made breakfast 24/7 happen. However, if it was him we need to talk because last time that I checked some of the breakfast favorites from McDonald’s are actually not available 24/7 (ahem McGriddle).

Next: Matt Kenseth Still Hates Joey Logano FYI


If Looks Could Kill, Logano Would Be Dead

Remember that little meeting that Matt Kenseth had with Joey Logano and how the two of them are okay now? Well, I don’t think they are quite okay now, at least not yet.

Kenseth was not in the joking mood during championship when it came to the situation involving him and Logano. It’s hard to blame him when he probably feels that Logano cost him a shot at the title, which he of course then did to Logano a couple of weeks later. In all fairness, Logano wasn’t in a joking mood about the subject either.

During Logano’s speech he mentioned Martinsville and how things did not work out there. Of course the camera panned to Kenseth who had quite the look on his face. In that moment words were not needed to know what Kenseth was feeling towards Logano.

Next: The Hangover


Kyle Busch And Family Make An Entrance

When Kyle Busch first took to the stage on Friday he did so with style. Busch hit the stage with his wife and son in tow, well actually his son was attached to him and wearing sunglasses.

Busch used the platform of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony to have some fun with Brexton. Busch made a nod to one of the scenes from the moving The Hangover when he and Brexton both dawned some black sunglasses on stage.

This was fun because who doesn’t love a baby in sunglasses? Also, it’s nice to see different sides of drivers. For those who might not like Busch it was probably nice to see a more fun side of him, especially when that side involved his son.

Next: Something We All Saw Coming


Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins Most Popular Driver, Again

Surprise, Surprise look who is once again the most popular driver in the world of NASCAR.

Okay, so was anyone really surprised when Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award for the 13th straight time? I mean sure, Joey Logano seemed to think that he had a chance but aside from that nobody else was even in the running.

Many non-Earnhardt fans will scoff at him winning the award again but that can be chalked up to jealousy. Let’s be honest, if your favorite driver won an award 13 years in a row you would be quite boisterous about it. Don’t hate Earnhardt Jr. just because he has a lot of fans that help him win fan votes.

Next: More Driver Humor Is Fun For All


Drivers Read Mean Tweets

In a skit that NASCAR borrowed from Jimmy Kimmel, drivers had the opportunity to read some mean tweets that NASCAR fans and trolls tweeted about them.

This skit is always fun on various levels. First off it’s funny to see some of the absurd things that people think is appropriate to say about other people with the shield of Twitter in front of them. Secondly, it’s even funnier to see the drivers read aloud some of the things that fans say about them and then react to it.

Have you ever tweeted anything absurd to a driver? Would you be willing to share those tweets with us or why you did it? Be sure to drop a line in the comment box below and let us know if you’re one of those fans that takes to Twitter to go after drivers.

Next: The Tribute?


NASCAR Drivers Pay Tribute To Jeff Gordon

Coming into the night it was clear that a lot of the focus was going to be on four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon. Gordon leaving NASCAR is equal to the likes of Derek Jeter leaving baseball or Michael Jordan leaving basketball. Gordon did things for NASCAR that changed the landscape of the sport forever.

One of the tributes that took place on Friday involved a handful of drivers paying respect and taking some fun jabs at Gordon.

The above video was just one of the many touching things that NASCAR and others have done for Gordon this season. It’s hard to put into words what Gordon has done for the sport and future generations of NASCAR drivers. While the perfect words might be hard to find, these words will do the job until we get to the top spot on this ranking.

Next: Kyle Busch Speaks


Kyle Busch Speaks About His Season

2015 might have been an emotional roller coaster for Jeff Gordon but it cannot compare to the roller coaster that it was for Kyle Busch. On Friday Busch took to the stage to talk about his season and sinning his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title.

Busch obviously thanked all of the people that needed to be thanked, as expected.

The speech took a touching turn though when he spoke about his injury and what he had to overcome after his accident. Busch made it truly hit home when he spoke about not knowing if he was ever going to be able to race again. Some might be upset about Busch winning the title in 2015 but if you look at what he has accomplished it’s pretty remarkable.

Missing 11 races and winning a title might seems cheap to some but there were other drivers who didn’t miss any races and couldn’t accomplish what Busch did.

Next: Gordon Receives A Surprise


Jeff Gordon Bids His Final Farewell

Jeff Gordon’s final farewell to NASCAR was touching, emotional, funny and perfect all at the same time. That final farewell began with Tom Cruise taking to the stage, something that appeared to even surprise Gordon himself. Cruise spoke eloquently and beautifully about Gordon and his career in NASCAR.

After Cruise’s speech he welcomed the four-time champion to the stage and level of emotions only grew from there. It was nice and challenging to watch Gordon give his farewell speech.

It was nice in that Gordon truly seemed at piece with his decision to step away from the sport. Gordon spoke about how he will miss certain things but also about how there are many things that he isn’t going to miss. More importantly, Gordon talked about how much he is looking forward to the next chapter in his career and that was nice to hear.

Next: Five NASCAR Drivers Set To Break Out In 2015

Gordon’s speech was tough to watch because there were plenty of times where he had to pause to collect himself when the emotions overtook him. Seeing someone that we have followed and supported for more than 20 years breakdown the way that he did was tough to see. In the end the result was a perfect ending to a perfect career.

Christopher Olmstead

Christopher Olmstead

Former Site Expert for Beyond The Flag and current Site Expert for BuffaLowDown. I am an avid NASCAR, NFL and MLB fan. I also love the Warriors and Golden Knights. Co-host of The Chris & Cory Show as well as the In The Marbles Podcast. Published work has been featured on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Rant Sports. Opinions are always my own. If you have any questions, thoughts, comments or concerns please feel free to email me at Olmstead.BeyondtheFlag@gmail.com