The nominees for the prestigious 38th annual Autosport Awards have been unveiled, and the world of NASCAR is prominently represented across several key categories, offering fans a chance to shape the outcome through the official Fan Vote. This year’s nominations highlight the significant impact and outstanding achievements of NASCAR talent on the global motorsport stage.
In the highly competitive Rookie of the Year category, NASCAR makes a formidable showing with two exceptional talents: Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. Both drivers have demonstrated remarkable prowess and adaptability in their respective series, marking their arrivals with unforgettable performances.
Shane van Gisbergen, a multiple Supercars champion transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, has redefined what it means to be a rookie in the sport’s premier division. His debut season was nothing short of historic, as he shattered records by securing five victories in his rookie campaign. Remarkably, these wins came in a consecutive streak on road and street courses, showcasing an immediate mastery of these challenging circuits. This remarkable performance not only propelled him into the NASCAR Playoffs, a rare feat for a first-year driver, but also saw him finish 12th in the overall championship standings. His success outpaced all but Denny Hamlin in terms of race wins, a testament to his immediate impact. Beyond his road-racing brilliance, van Gisbergen also showed significant development on oval tracks, achieving his first top-ten finish late in the season, signaling a well-rounded progression and a promising future on all track types.
Complementing van Gisbergen’s Cup Series exploits, Connor Zilisch has been a dominant force in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for JR Motorsports. Zilischβs season was characterized by an extraordinary run of success, including ten victories. His summer surge was particularly noteworthy, with an astonishing seven wins in an eight-race stretch. This consistent excellence propelled him into the Championship 4, where he narrowly missed out on the ultimate prize in a single-race finale. Across the entire Xfinity Series, Zilisch led the field in multiple key statistical categories, including wins, top-five finishes, top-ten finishes, pole positions, and average finishing position. His performance underscores a prodigious talent poised for a significant career in stock car racing.
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The Team of the Year award sees NASCAR’s powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports nominated, a recognition of their enduring dominance and recent championship success. While Joe Gibbs Racing may have led the Cup Series in the number of race wins throughout the season, it was Hendrick Motorsports who ultimately hoisted the coveted Bill France Cup, securing their 15th championship in the last 31 seasons. This victory ended the three-year championship reign of Team Penske. The strength of Hendrick Motorsports was evident in the championship race itself, with two of the four title contenders hailing from the organization. Furthermore, all four of their Cup Series drivers qualified for the playoffs, highlighting the team’s consistent performance across its roster. In total, Hendrick Motorsports teams secured eight wins during the season, including victory in one of motorsport’s most prestigious events, the Daytona 500, claimed by William Byron for the second consecutive year.
NASCAR’s dramatic flair and strategic brilliance have also earned a nomination in the Moment of the Year category, presented by Bahrain International Circuit. The pivotal moment recognized occurred during the NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway. With a late-race caution forcing the championship race into overtime, crew chief Cliff Daniels of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team made a bold strategic call. Opting for a two-tire pit stop on the right side for the second consecutive stop, the team aimed to gain track position. This gamble paid off, as Kyle Larson, the driver of the No. 5 car, executed a strong restart, ultimately finishing third in the race and clinching the championship without leading a single lap in the title showdown. This strategic masterstroke and dramatic finish captured the attention of the motorsport world.
In the rapidly growing realm of Creator of the Year, NASCAR’s digital media presence is represented by YouTuber Eric Estepp. Estepp has cultivated a significant following within the NASCAR community, with his commentary channel boasting over 250,000 subscribers. His content regularly achieves tens of thousands of views, demonstrating a strong engagement with fans seeking insights and analysis of the sport. Estepp’s journey began approximately 14 years ago with a unique niche: diecast stop-motion videos. He has since evolved into a prominent voice, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on top-level stock car racing, establishing himself as a must-watch creator for many NASCAR enthusiasts looking to connect with the sport in new and innovative ways.
The inclusion of these NASCAR figures and entities across multiple Autosport Awards categories underscores the sport’s global appeal and the exceptional talent it produces. Fans now have the opportunity to cast their votes and celebrate the individuals and teams who have made a lasting impression on the motorsport landscape this past year. The winners will be announced at the 38th Autosport Awards ceremony, a highlight of the motorsport calendar.
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