NEW YORK -- In an emotionally-charged ceremony Friday night, Teresa Earnhardt, widow of seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, accepted the National Motorsport Press Association Most Popular Driver Award on his behalf.

The award was the first for Earnhardt, who had a 27-year driving career in NASCARs top division. His wife cited her husband as an American role model at a critical time.

Dale Earnhardt is an American dream, Mrs. Earnhardt said, speaking publicly at length for the first time since her husbands death in February. He worked for it, he paid for it, he was sure of it, he was proud of it and he enjoyed it. And so did we.

Teresa Earnhardt has remained active in the direction of the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. business and racing conglomerate formed by her husband, who was wildly successful despite a limited educational background, thanks in large part to his wife.

I dont know if he knew the full extent of the inspiration he provided for us, she said. He still compelled and motivated us to achieve more.

He is a true American role model, from growing up to personal and professional achievement. During this difficult time in our nations history having a strong role model like Dale Earnhardt is more important than ever.

Teresa Earnhardts public appearances have been sparse since her husbands death, limited mostly to events around his funeral and an ongoing legal battle to limit access to his autopsy materials.

Her attendance at the awards ceremony caused an outburst of emotion from the crowd of more than 1,000 attendees.

Maybe youve missed me a little bit as much as Ive missed you all, she said after receiving a warm welcome upon her introduction by NBC News anchor Brian Williams. Its not easy to choose words for someone else, but especially when that someone else is Dale Earnhardt.

Earnhardt was remembered by many of the honorees during the evening.

Part of the ceremony was a video tribute to Earnhardt, whose last championship came in 1994, accompanied by a musical performance by country and western artist Garth Brooks, who performed a rendition of his hit recording, The Dance.

Friday morning, NMPA president David Poole presented the 42nd annual Myers Brothers Award, denoting outstanding contributions to the sport, to Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his fathers behalf.

Poole also announced that the NMPAs Most Popular Driver Award, which has been won 15 times by 1988 Winston Cup champion Bill Elliott, would be titled the Bill Elliott Trophy upon Elliotts future retirement from driving.

Elliott, who won the last 10 fan ballots, withdrew his name from consideration for this years award after Earnhardt, a five-time winner of the NMPA Driver of the Year Award, was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500.

The most popular driver award, typically presented at the Myers Brothers Breakfast, was incorporated into Friday nights awards ceremony in conjunction with the tribute.

Im pleased that were able to put another honor in the books for Dale, Teresa said, addressing the legendary drivers prodigious souvenir sales figures that were over-matched by Elliotts fans balloting habits. He is finally, officially the most popular driver.

I dont want anyone to be overly upset that he cannot personally receive this award. But the fact of the matter is, he knew perfectly well the extent of his popularity and he actually enjoyed the unofficial honor when he was here with us.

The excellence he cast on our sport will no doubt live on forever.