NASCAR Stars Shine Bright as Nominees Emerge for Prestigious Autosport Awards

The global motorsport community is abuzz with anticipation as the nominees for the 38th annual Autosport Awards have been unveiled, with NASCAR securing a notable presence across several key categories. This year’s nominations highlight the exceptional talent and significant achievements within the stock car racing world, offering fans an opportunity to have their voices heard through the dedicated Fan Vote. The Autosport Awards, renowned for celebrating excellence across all disciplines of motorsport, will once again recognize the standout performers and moments of the past year.

Rookie of the Year: A Tale of Two Trailblazers

The prestigious Rookie of the Year award features a compelling NASCAR narrative with the inclusion of two remarkable talents: Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. Both drivers have made indelible marks on their respective series, demonstrating immediate impact and future promise.

Shane van Gisbergen, the celebrated Supercars champion, has translated his immense talent to the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, achieving a feat unprecedented for a rookie. Van Gisbergen’s debut season was nothing short of spectacular, as he rewrote the record books by clinching five victories. Remarkably, these wins were achieved in a dominant streak on road and street courses, showcasing his innate adaptability and skill on circuits less familiar to many of his Cup Series peers. This extraordinary performance not only secured him a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs but also saw him finish 12th in the championship standings, a testament to his rapid assimilation into the demanding Cup Series environment. His win total trailed only Denny Hamlin, underscoring the caliber of his performance. Beyond his road course dominance, van Gisbergen also demonstrated significant progress on oval tracks, a critical element of NASCAR racing, culminating in his first top-ten finish late in the season. His transition from international touring car racing to the pinnacle of American stock car racing has been a remarkable success story.

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Complementing van Gisbergen’s Cup Series exploits, Connor Zilisch has emerged as a formidable force in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, competing for JR Motorsports. Zilisch’s rookie campaign was characterized by sheer dominance, as he secured an impressive ten victories. His summer stretch was particularly outstanding, marked by an incredible run of seven wins in just eight starts. This consistent high-level performance propelled him to the Championship 4, where he narrowly missed out on the series title in a single-race finale. Across the entire Xfinity Series season, Zilisch led in a comprehensive range of statistical categories, including wins, top-five finishes, top-ten finishes, pole positions, and average finishing position. At just a teenager, his achievements signal a bright future in NASCAR, and his nomination for Rookie of the Year reflects a season of unparalleled success.

Team of the Year: Hendrick Motorsports’ Championship Dominance

In the highly competitive Team of the Year category, NASCAR’s powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports has earned a well-deserved nomination. While Joe Gibbs Racing ultimately led the Cup Series in overall race wins, it was Hendrick Motorsports that claimed the ultimate prize – the Bill France Cup, signifying the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. This victory marks Hendrick Motorsports’ 15th championship in the last 31 seasons, ending the three-year championship reign of rival Team Penske.

The strength of Hendrick Motorsports was evident in the Championship 4, where two of the four title contenders hailed from their stable. Furthermore, all four of their Cup Series drivers successfully qualified for the playoffs, showcasing the team’s depth and consistent performance throughout the season. The legendary organization amassed eight race wins in total, a significant achievement that included capturing the sport’s most prestigious event, the Daytona 500, with William Byron securing a second consecutive victory in "The Great American Race." This nomination underscores Hendrick Motorsports’ sustained excellence and their ability to consistently compete at the highest level of NASCAR.

Moment of the Year: A Strategic Gamble Secures a Championship

NASCAR’s thrilling season finale has been recognized with a nomination in the Moment of the Year category, presented by the Bahrain International Circuit. The dramatic conclusion to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway provided a pivotal moment that ultimately decided the season’s champion.

With a late-race caution sending the race into overtime, crew chief Cliff Daniels of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team made a bold strategic call. Opting for a two-tire change on the right side of the car for the second consecutive pit stop, Daniels gambled for track position. This calculated risk proved instrumental, as driver Kyle Larson was able to gain ground on the crucial restart. Despite not leading a single lap in the championship showdown, Larson navigated the restart effectively, ultimately finishing third and clinching the NASCAR Cup Series title. This strategic masterstroke and dramatic championship victory represent a compelling "moment" that captured the intense drama and strategic depth inherent in NASCAR racing.

Creator of the Year: Digital Voice for the Fanbase

The burgeoning landscape of motorsport content creation is also celebrated, with NASCAR represented in the Creator of the Year category by YouTuber Eric Estepp. Estepp has carved out a significant niche within the NASCAR community, providing insightful commentary and engaging content for his rapidly growing audience.

His YouTube channel, dedicated to NASCAR, has surpassed an impressive 250,000 subscribers, with his videos consistently attracting tens of thousands of views. Estepp’s journey began approximately 14 years ago with a focus on diecast stop-motion content. Over time, his platform has evolved into a dynamic and unique avenue for NASCAR fans to connect with the sport’s highest echelon. He has established himself as a must-watch personality for many enthusiasts, offering a fresh perspective and fostering deeper engagement with stock car racing. His nomination acknowledges the growing influence of digital creators in shaping the fan experience and broadening the sport’s reach.

The inclusion of these NASCAR figures and entities across the Autosport Awards nominations underscores the sport’s global appeal and the exceptional talent it continues to produce. Fans now have the opportunity to participate in the Fan Vote, casting their ballots to help determine the winners in these highly anticipated categories. The 38th Autosport Awards ceremony promises to be a fitting celebration of motorsport’s brightest stars and most memorable moments from the past year.