Three-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson’s whirlwind day in New York came to a close when four Knicks City Dancers presented him with a cake to celebrate his 34th birthday.

In between, there was a pie-throwing contest at “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” fashion advice from Brian Vickers to Kurt Busch, and Ryan Newman’s attempt to toss popcorn across a room and into someone’s open mouth.

It was the last pressure-free day for NASCAR’s 12 championship drivers, who pumped up the Chase for the championship across New York City on Thursday before heading to New Hampshire for what’s expected to be the most competitive title race to date.

“It’s definitely the tightest field I’ve ever been a part of,” said Greg Biffle, seeded 12th in his third Chase appearance. “The competition is pretty close, and I think anyone could win it this year.”

The field includes four champions, two first-timers and 50-year-old Mark Martin, who earned the top seed with a Sprint Cup Series-high four “regular season” victories.