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Comedian Jay Mohr tackled the season's biggest controversy and skewered some of NASCAR's biggest stars without mercy in a topical monologue

LAS VEGAS - NASCAR saluted immortality with a dash of irreverence Friday night at its 2013 Sprint Cup Series awards ceremony.

For the sixth time, the focal point was Jimmie Johnson, who is one championship short of tying Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the all-time mark.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver downplayed his achievements, though, in a typically humble champion's address at the Wynn ballroom. Johnson said he found comfort in Earnhardt's speech after his sixth title.

"He was just as nervous up here as the rest of us are, and that built a lot of comfort up here in me tonight," he said. "To do something only two men have done is crazy, wild and humbling, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity. We're all indebted to them for their contributions to the sport, so mad respect and props to them."

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In a seven-minute speech, Johnson hardly focused on a season in which he notched six victories, his second Daytona 500 win and a payout of $5,226,405 from title sponsor Sprint.

"This was clearly a huge year professionally, but personally it was so much more," said Johnson, whose wife, Chandra, gave birth to their second daughter in September. "Being a parent is the greatest thing I've ever experienced in my life, and I love my girls so much."

He closed with a quote from Nelson Mandela, the human rights activist and Nobel Prize winner who died Thursday.

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"Sport has the power to change the world, it has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does," Johnson said. "And that's NASCAR."

It was a rare instance of gravitas in a mostly light-hearted affair. Many Sprint Cup drivers said the ceremony's highlight was comedian Jay Mohr, who returned to host after a seven-year absence.

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There were no sacred cows as Mohr tackled the season's biggest controversy and skewered some of the sport's biggest stars without mercy in a topical monologue:

--Mohr joked that a Wynn valet attendant tweeted that Dale Earnhardt Jr. wanted him to park his car in victory lane, but his GPS couldn't find it.

--There were several shots at Jeff Gordon being added as the 13th driver in this year's Chase after the team orders scandal at Richmond International Raceway, suggesting the four-time champion would be added to the Best Picture category in the Oscars. "I have breaking news right here in my earpiece," Mohr said. "This just in: Jeff Gordon has been added to the BCS championship game. It's going to be Jeff against Florida State."

Host Jay Mohr dons a championship ring hat during his salute to Jimmie Johnson Friday night.(Photo: Jared C. Tilton, NASCAR via Getty Images)

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He later said Jimmie Johnson should consider retiring or, "do what Jeff Gordon did - win four (championships) and then quit."

--Clint Bowyer also was lampooned for his spin that started the chicanery at Richmond and that he initially defended staunchly as being unintentional. "Clint, Clint, Clint, how's that poison oak treating you, brother?" Mohr asked, referring to Bowyer's crew chief telling him to "itch" his arm just before the spin. "I guess I'm not the only bad actor here."

On Bowyer's recent engagement, Mohr said, "You're going to be great at marriage since you're already good at apologizing at things you may or may not have done."

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--But the juiciest target was Danica Patrick, who was attending the ceremony with boyfriend and rookie of the year winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. "Danica, I hope you are not too uncomfortable tonight," Mohr said. "I know you're not used to being this close to the front."

The news drew steely glares from Stenhouse and Patrick, who returned fire while accepting a Sprint award later in the show. "I'd like to thank all of my fans, and I think it's pretty safe to say that Jay Mohr's not one of them."

The second half of the show began with an apology by Mohr, who said he "could not be more of a Danica Patrick fan," bringing smiles from Patrick and Stenhouse.

But Mohr's humor went over well, even with those who bore the brunt of it such as Earnhardt, Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick. Virtually all the top 10 drivers who were honored Saturday heartily endorsed the routine.

"He's had a hell of a night," Bowyer said. "I don't know who's writing his stuff, but I'm impressed. Danica's going to kick his (butt)."

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In his speech, Gordon cracked he omitted a joke because he thought it wasn't funny but should have included it because "Jay Mohr's been doing it for years."

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The four-time champion later said Mohr was a good friend who did well and added he liked when the NASCAR industry could laugh at itself.

"We're a sport that just doesn't get it sometimes," Gordon said. "I don't think Jay Mohr expects everyone in this audience to laugh, because some of those things are sort of true. That's the tough part about being a comedian and why I don't put jokes into my speech."

Joey Logano said Mohr was "hilarious, the best part of the show" and took his own shot at Tony Stewart, who had accused Logano of having a privileged upbringing after a March altercation at Auto Club Speedway.

"All you guys have silver spoons," Logano told the crowd. "I'm confused that Tony Stewart's not here giving you a hard time about that."

Mohr's humor seemed infectious as many drivers' speeches were filled with quips. Among the best were from Matt Kenseth, who finished runner-up in the standings despite a series-high seven wins.

"Jimmie, I hope you seriously contemplate retirement," Kenseth said. "Buy yourself an island. Take up some new hobbies. Enjoy yourself! We'll all chip in."