He finally returned to New York this week for another whirlwind celebration filled with interviews, morning show appearances, photographers and other commitments.

In the grand entrance to the Empire State Building, Johnson flipped the switch -- as if changing gears in his car -- that lit the top of the skyscraper in the familiar blue, yellow and white colors of his Hendrick Motorsports team. He also received a proclamation from the mayor's office designating "Jimmie Johnson Day" in a city where many people don't even own cars.

"I'm not sure what authority comes with my position," Johnson said, "but I think everyone should have the day off and go have margaritas."

Indeed, Johnson is living a charmed life.

The most dominant driver of the decade finished fifth in the season's final race when 25th would have sufficed. He's been in NASCAR's top division for eight years and already his title total trails only the seven won by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

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