NASCAR Drivers and Teams Shine Among Nominees for Prestigious Autosport Awards

The nominees for the 38th annual Autosport Awards have been unveiled, highlighting significant achievements across motorsport, with NASCAR making a notable presence across several key categories. Fans have the opportunity to cast their votes, influencing the outcome of these prestigious accolades. This year’s nominations underscore the growing global recognition of NASCAR’s talent and impact on the international motorsport stage.

In the highly competitive "Rookie of the Year" category, NASCAR is represented by two exceptional talents: Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. Both drivers have demonstrated remarkable prowess in their respective series, capturing the attention of fans and industry experts alike.

Shane van Gisbergen, competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, has achieved a feat unprecedented for a rookie. He secured an astonishing five victories, setting a new record for a debut season. These wins were part of a historic streak that saw him conquer five consecutive road and street course events. His performance was so dominant that he not only made the NASCAR playoffs but also finished 12th in the overall championship standings. His win total surpassed all but Denny Hamlin, a veteran of the sport. Beyond his road-racing triumphs, van Gisbergen also showed significant progress on oval tracks, a discipline notoriously challenging for newcomers, culminating in his first top-ten finish late in the season. His ability to adapt and excel across different track types in such a short period is a testament to his exceptional driving talent.

Complementing van Gisbergen’s success, Connor Zilisch has been a formidable force in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Piloting for JR Motorsports, Zilisch dominated the season, clinching ten victories. His summer surge was particularly impressive, with seven wins in an eight-race span. He advanced to the Championship 4, narrowly missing out on the title in a single-race finale. Zilisch led the entire Xfinity Series in multiple key statistical categories, including wins, top-five finishes, top-ten finishes, pole positions, and average finishing position. His all-around performance as a teenager has positioned him as one of the sport’s brightest emerging stars.

Related News :

The "Team of the Year" category features Hendrick Motorsports, a storied organization in NASCAR history. Despite Joe Gibbs Racing leading the Cup Series in race wins, it was Hendrick Motorsports that ultimately secured the championship, hoisting the Bill France Cup. This nomination acknowledges their 15th championship in the past 31 seasons, ending the three-year dominance of Team Penske. The strength of Hendrick Motorsports was evident in the Championship 4, with two of the four finalists hailing from their stable. Furthermore, all four of their drivers qualified for the playoffs, showcasing the team’s depth and consistency. Hendrick Motorsports achieved eight victories throughout the season, including a significant triumph in the sport’s crown jewel event, the Daytona 500, with William Byron securing his second consecutive win in "The Great American Race." This nomination recognizes their sustained excellence and ability to perform at the highest level.

NASCAR’s dramatic conclusion to the season has earned a nomination in the "Moment of the Year" category, presented by the Bahrain International Circuit. The pivotal moment occurred during the NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway. A late-race caution period sent the championship race into overtime. In a strategic masterstroke, crew chief Cliff Daniels made the bold call to pit for only two right-side tires on the No. 5 car, driven by Kyle Larson. This decision provided Larson with crucial track position for the restart. On the decisive final laps, Larson capitalized on this advantage, gaining positions and ultimately securing the championship without leading a single lap in the title showdown. This calculated risk and flawless execution under immense pressure represent a memorable and strategic victory.

In the "Creator of the Year" award, NASCAR is represented by YouTuber Eric Estepp. Estepp has built a substantial following within the NASCAR community, with his commentary channel boasting over 250,000 subscribers and consistently attracting tens of thousands of views per video. His journey began approximately 14 years ago with a diecast stop-motion channel. Over time, he has evolved into a prominent voice and a unique platform for NASCAR fans to engage with the sport. His content provides insightful analysis and commentary, establishing him as a must-watch personality for many dedicated followers of stock car racing. His nomination highlights the growing influence of digital content creators in the motorsport landscape.

The announcement of these nominations underscores the significant impact NASCAR continues to have on the global motorsport scene. The inclusion of drivers, teams, and content creators in these prestigious Autosport Awards categories reflects the sport’s increasing international appeal and the high caliber of talent it cultivates. Fan voting is now open, allowing enthusiasts to have their say in recognizing these outstanding achievements from the past year. The winners will be announced at the 38th Autosport Awards ceremony, a highly anticipated event celebrating the best of motorsport.