Johnson's car in Hall of Fame

As is tradition for the winning of NASCAR's most prestigious race, the car will now be on display at the oval for one year, until the 2007 Daytona 500 on February 18 next year.

Johnson, along with team owner Rick Hendrick and substitute crew chief Darian Grubb attended the ceremony this morning.

Johnson, Hendrick and Grubb received their winning Daytona 500 leather jackets and were presented with a framed photo from Victory Lane.

"It's slowing sinking in," said Johnson. "Last night, I had the pleasure of hanging out with all of my guys. It's just amazing to me to be in this position to win this race and how much it means to my career. I think over the next couple of days and really the next couple of years, it'll really sink in what this race means to me and how big it is and what it means for my career.

"It's kind of hard to believe racing off road trucks and living in San Diego that I would be here today winning the Daytona 500. It's been a long road.

"From growing up racing dirt bikes through the off road ranks, I've been to Daytona many times just watching and wondering what it would be like. To be here today is very special."

Hendrick Motorsports had everyone back at their headquarters sign a special sticker in case any of their four race cars won the race, which is now with Johnson's car.

Johnson will now begin a week of media engagements as a result of his victory.

Jeff Gordon's 2005 Daytona winning Chevrolet was handed back to the four-time Nextel Cup winner in a ceremony before yesterday's race.