NEW YORK -- At the first NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Ceremony since his untimely death in February, seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt was honored Friday morning with the 42nd annual Myers Brothers Award.

Earnhardts son, eighth-place Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., accepted the award, given by the National Motorsport Press Association for outstanding contributions to the sport.

Accepting awards for my father is probably one of the toughest things I do, or have ever done, Earnhardt Jr. said, after acknowledging a standing ovation. I know no matter what I say it would never be as good, or never be as cool or never be as smooth as what he might say.

I know he really enjoyed this breakfast -- he looked forward to it -- and that he would be really proud to know that hes won this award. All I can do is thank you guys. On behalf of (Earnhardts wife) Teresa and the whole family were really proud to accept this award on behalf of my dad.

Each year we attempt to select as the winner someone who has made a clear mark on the sport, NMPA president David Poole, a writer for the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer newspaper, said. (Dale Earnhardt) did that and much more. In fact, he figured out not only a way to make his mark, but a way to trademark it, market it and turn it into a whole new branch of this industry.

Yesterday, (NASCAR president) Mike Helton said he didnt know what there was new that could be said about (Dale Earnhardt). His contributions, frankly, are almost impossible to accurately measure. In spite of whats happened this year, the remarkable truth is this -- his contributions continue to this day.

Those contributions will continue for a long time to come. In fact, those contributions will continue for as long as its not necessary to say his name, but to merely do this, Poole said. Before announcing Earnhardt as the winner he held up the three-fingered salute that was displayed by countless fans at the final 35 races of the season on the third lap to honor the fallen champions car number.