WASHINGTON -- NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth and a large group of current and former Winston Cup stars were honored Tuesday at the White House by President Bush.

With seven brightly colored Winston Cup cars arrayed behind him on the south lawn, and nine of the 2003 top 10 drivers standing alongside, the President joked, "I see a lot of the Bubbas who work in my administration have shown up.''

On a cold, wind-swept afternoon, Bush, a self-proclaimed longtime stock car fan, praised Kenseth, saying, "Like all champions, he has succeeded because of his dedication and hard work.''

On the stage with the president and Kenseth were Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, and brothers Terry and Bobby Labonte. The only top 10 driver not on hand was Jeff Gordon, who had a previous commitment.

Bush also introduced several drivers in the audience, including Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett and Rusty Wallace, as well as former champions Darrell Waltrip and Ned Jarrett and several NASCAR officials.

Bush had particular praise for retired NASCAR chairman and CEO Bill France Jr., who was in the audience.

"There's no doubt NASCAR is where it is today because of the great entrepreneur, a person who understands the consumer, the customer, and built this sport up to what is, and that is Bill France Jr.,'' the president said.

He also introduced Brian France, who took over the leadership of NASCAR from his father in September.

"You know, there's nothing wrong, Brian, with following your father's footsteps,'' Bush said, drawing laughter.

Kenseth presented Bush with a leather racing jacket and later got to visit the president in the oval office.

"I've never been through anything quite like this before,'' said Kenseth, who will be in New York City the rest of the week for a variety of events leading to Friday night's awards ceremony, where he will collect more than $9 million in season winnings and contingency money.

"It's fantastic that NASCAR has grown to something so big that I can be here and stand up there on the stage with the president of the United States and see the oval office,'' he said. "It's just really neat.

"I can't wait for the rest of the week. I've really been looking forward to this.''