NASCAR Stars Shine as Nominees for Prestigious Autosport Awards Fan Vote

The nominees for the 38th annual Autosport Awards have been unveiled, with NASCAR making a significant impact across several key categories, offering fans the opportunity to have their say through the official Fan Vote. This year’s nominations highlight the sport’s growing international appeal and the exceptional performances of its drivers and teams on the global motorsport stage.

In the highly competitive "Rookie of the Year" category, NASCAR is represented by two remarkable talents: Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. Both drivers have demonstrated extraordinary skill and adaptability in their respective series, capturing the attention of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

Shane van Gisbergen, a Supercars legend making his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing, has rewritten the record books. The New Zealand native achieved an unprecedented five victories in his rookie Cup Series season, all of which came on road and street courses. This historic streak not only secured him a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs but also saw him finish 12th in the championship standings, a remarkable feat for a first-year competitor in the premier stock car division. His success surpassed all other rookies and placed him among the top race winners in the Cup Series, trailing only Denny Hamlin. Beyond his road course dominance, van Gisbergen also showed significant improvement on oval tracks, a discipline demanding a unique skillset within NASCAR, culminating in his first top-ten finish late in the season. His ability to adapt and excel in a new racing environment has been a major storyline in the 2023 season.

Joining van Gisbergen in contention for Rookie of the Year is Connor Zilisch, who has been a formidable presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving for JR Motorsports. Zilisch has enjoyed a breakout season, amassing an impressive ten wins. His dominance was particularly evident during the summer months, where he secured victories in seven out of eight races he entered. This stellar performance propelled him into the Championship 4, where he narrowly missed out on the series title in a thrilling one-race finale. Zilisch led the entire Xfinity Series in multiple statistical categories, including wins, top-five finishes, top-ten finishes, pole positions, and average finishing position, underscoring his consistent pace and execution throughout the season. His youth and rapid ascent have marked him as a rising star with immense potential.

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The "Team of the Year" category sees NASCAR represented by Hendrick Motorsports, a titan of the sport that once again proved its championship pedigree. Despite Joe Gibbs Racing leading the Cup Series in overall race wins, it was Hendrick Motorsports that ultimately claimed the coveted Bill France Cup, securing their 15th championship in the last 31 seasons. This victory ended a three-year championship streak for Team Penske and solidified Hendrick Motorsports’ status as one of the most successful organizations in motorsport history. The team’s strength was evident in the championship race, with two of the four finalists hailing from Hendrick Motorsports. Furthermore, all four of their drivers qualified for the playoffs, a testament to the team’s depth and consistent performance across the board. Hendrick Motorsports amassed eight race wins throughout the season, including a significant victory in the sport’s most prestigious event, the Daytona 500, which was won by William Byron for the second consecutive year. The team’s strategic prowess, engineering excellence, and driver talent have consistently placed them at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

NASCAR’s dramatic championship conclusion has also earned a nomination for "Moment of the Year," presented by Bahrain International Circuit. The pivotal moment occurred during the NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway. When a late-race caution flag sent the race into overtime, crew chief Cliff Daniels of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team made a strategic call for a two-tire pit stop on the right side of Kyle Larson’s Chevrolet. This decision, a gamble that prioritized track position over a full four-tire change, proved crucial. On the subsequent restart, Larson masterfully navigated the field, ultimately securing third place and clinching the championship without leading a single lap in the title-deciding race. This strategic masterstroke and Larson’s decisive driving under pressure encapsulated the high-stakes drama and tactical brilliance that define modern NASCAR racing.

In the "Creator of the Year" category, which celebrates the influential voices shaping the motorsport narrative online, NASCAR YouTuber Eric Estepp has been recognized. Estepp has cultivated a substantial following, with his commentary channel boasting over 250,000 subscribers. His content consistently attracts tens of thousands of views, providing fans with insightful analysis and engaging perspectives on stock car racing. Estepp’s journey began approximately 14 years ago with a niche channel focused on diecast stop-motion videos. He has since evolved into a prominent digital content creator, offering a fresh and unique way for NASCAR enthusiasts to connect with the sport. His established presence has made his channel a must-watch destination for many fans seeking to deepen their engagement with top-level stock car racing.

The inclusion of these NASCAR nominees across multiple categories underscores the sport’s significant achievements and its expanding global footprint. The Autosport Awards, recognized as one of motorsport’s most prestigious annual events, provides a platform to celebrate excellence across all disciplines of racing. The Fan Vote component allows enthusiasts to directly influence the outcome of these awards, highlighting the passion and dedication of NASCAR’s fanbase. The nominees represent a diverse range of talent and success, reflecting a dynamic and compelling year in NASCAR and motorsport at large. Fans have until the voting deadline to cast their ballots and support their favorite nominees.