DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson deserves a permanent visitor’s pass to the White House since he’s been there so many times.
Obama recognized Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports team members on Wednesday for winning the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
It’s Johnson’s sixth Sprint Cup title in eight years. And he’s gunning for a seventh trophy this year.
Obama says Johnson is like the Michael Jordan of NASCAR. The retired NBA player led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in eight years.
Johnson’s appearance continued a sports theme at the White House this week.
Obama hosted a reception Tuesday for American and international professional golfers, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, who competed for the 2013 Presidents Cup. Woods clinched the victory for the U.S. team.
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