Hail to the champ: Obama set to greet 3-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson at White House

October 2nd, 2009 NASCAR warns Hendrick teams about carsKANSAS CITY, Kan. — NASCAR has warned Hendrick Motorsports that the cars of Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin came very close to failing post-race inspection following their 1-2 finish at Dover last week.

October 1st, 2009 Obama heads to Denmark to lobby for 2016 OlympicsWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is on his way to Denmark to help his adopted hometown of Chicago try to land the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Obama departed the White House on Thursday evening for an overnight flight to Copenhagen.

September 19th, 2009 White House scouts possible Obama Copenhagen visitWASHINGTON — The White House says it is sending an advance team to Copenhagen to check out the possibility of a personal appearance by President Barack Obama before the Olympic committee. A senior adviser to Obama confirmed Saturday night to The Associated Press that the advance team would only be making sure Obama has the option of going to appeal for Chicago, which is bidding to host the Olympics in 2016.

September 11th, 2009 WASHINGTON - First Lady Michelle Obama will be on hand to root for her home town of Chicago when the International Olympic Committee announces which city can host the 2016 competition, the White House said Friday. Michelle Obama will travel to Copenhagen for the ceremony Oct 2.

September 10th, 2009 Obama honors 2009 Stanley Cup champion PenguinsWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama welcomed the 2009 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins to the White House on Thursday and celebrated the hockey team for its performance on and off the ice. The Penguins won the best-of-seven series in June, defeating the defending champion Detroit Red Wings.

September 10th, 2009 Obama pushes for Chicago's 2016 Olympic bidWASHINGTON — Aiming to boost his hometown of Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, President Barack Obama is bringing Olympic athletes to the White House next week and sending a senior adviser to Denmark to lobby Olympic officials, White House officials said Wednesday. Valerie Jarrett, one of Obama's top advisers, will attend an Oct.

August 24th, 2009 Johnson gives local schools $150,000 in grantsCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three-time reigning NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has donated $150,000 in grants to four Charlotte-area school systems.

August 19th, 2009 White House honors NASCAR champions, driversWASHINGTON — Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson had the gas to get to the White House on Wednesday, where President Barack Obama honored the 2008 winner as well as auto racing. "NASCAR is a uniquely American sport," Obama said in the Rose Garden, flanked by drivers.

August 3rd, 2009 Rain delays Monday's White House event for NASCARWASHINGTON — The White House meeting between No. 44 and No. 48 will have to wait a few weeks, thanks to turf problems elsewhere.

August 3rd, 2009 Lawmakers urge pardon for first black boxing champWASHINGTON — Two Republican lawmakers are urging President Barack Obama to issue a posthumous pardon for boxer Jack Johnson, the black heavyweight champion who was imprisoned because of his romantic ties with a white woman. Arizona Sen.

August 2nd, 2009 Rain washes out Pocono raceLONG POND, Pa. — Jimmie Johnson's White House visit will have to wait.

July 10th, 2009 L'AQUILA, Italy — President Barack Obama is hinting he'll attend next year's World Cup soccer championship in South Africa. After a photograph with South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday, a reporter asked Obama if he'll attend the matches.

June 25th, 2009 Senate urges Obama to pardon first black champWASHINGTON — The Senate urged President Barack Obama Wednesday to pardon the late black heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, who was sent to prison nearly a century ago because of his romantic ties with a white woman. Senators approved the resolution by voice vote; it now goes to the House.

June 22nd, 2009 White House: Obama not committed to World CupWASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama has not made a decision yet on whether to attend next year's World Cup soccer championship in South Africa. Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs was asked about the matter on Monday after at least one published report said Obama had accepted an invitation.

June 19th, 2009 Obama talks titles with winning NBA, NHL coachesWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama took time out to chat with title-winning coaches Phil Jackson of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Dan Bylsma of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. Obama — a huge basketball fan who plays on occasion and is having basketball lines painted on the White House tennis court — picked the Lakers to win in six games over the Orlando Magic.