NASCAR Daily News Headlines * November 26, 2009

Johnson Honored In New York

He flipped the switch on the Empire State Building as it lit up in the blue, white and yellow colors of Johnson's team. Then he received the proclamation of the official day in New York and posed for photos at the landmark with Major League Baseball World Series champion Johnny Damon.

Finally, he posed with his trophy 103 floors above Manhattan.(scenedaily.com)

Knaus Denies Contract Near

Knaus on Wednesday denied an ESPN report that he's agreed to lead Johnson through 2015, the length of Johnson's new contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports.

Knaus, who has guided Johnson to four straight titles and 47 victories since 2002, is still working under an extension signed in 2006 that runs through next season.

"We've only started very light conversations," Knaus said. "I don't have a new contract, and we've barely had enough conversation for me to agree to anything."

Although Knaus said it is his intention to stay with Hendrick Motorsports, "you never know what will happen. There are so many what-ifs."(google.com)

Former Mayfield Attorney Sues For $371,973

The firm James, McElroy and Diehl filed the complaint Wednesday in North Carolina Superior Court. They claim Mayfield and Mayfield Motorsports owes the firm $371,973.66, plus attorney fees, late charges and interest since Oct. 22.

The firm represented Mayfield following his May 9 suspension for failing a random drug test. He hired high-profile attorney Mark Geragos in early October.

Bill Diehl said earlier this month that he was owed a substantial amount of money for representing Mayfield, but Mayfield said last week he's paid Diehl.

The suit does include that Mayfield indeed made payments during the time he was represented by Diehl. But the complaint states that Mayfield was constantly late, often "represented that payments were 'on the way,' or 'being delivered today' " but that if Mayfield did come through with money it was typically "for less than the promised amount."

The suit also claims that Mayfield agreed in September to make monthly payments of $20,000 until Dec. 15, when he was to make a lump sum payment to cover the full amount. The suit claims Mayfield promised to sign the agreement, but never did.

The suit claims Mayfield has never disputed the fees, and although he had the right to request fee mediation, he waived that right.(usatoday.com)

Almirola Drops Lawsuit

Almirola, who drove in seven Sprint Cup races this year for the team before his car was parked because of a lack of sponsorship, filed the complaint earlier this month in North Carolina Superior Court. He had it dismissed last Thursday, according to court records.(scenedaily.com)