Busch, Gordon, others shine at Sprint Cup banquet

Kyle Busch, the 2015 Sprint Cup Series champion in remarkable fashion, was far from the only driver highlighted at Friday night's Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas hosted by Drew Carey. The ceremony featured spots from all 16 Chase drivers, whose speeches were all longer the higher they placed in the final season standings. Retired four-time champion Jeff Gordon delivered an emotional yet enthusiastic speech in front of the crowd and surprise guest Tom Cruise. For the 13th straight year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. came away with the Most Popular Driver award. The annual In Memorial segment included a special dedication to Steve Byrnes, who died of cancer in April. Each Chase driver was provided with a gift basket before the ceremony consisting mainly of candy and snacks. Some drivers including Busch engaged in an after-party following the awards. The ceremony was considered another successful one based on the reactions of fans and drivers.