NASCAR Stars Shine Brightly in Autosport Awards Fan Vote Nominations

The motorsport world is abuzz with the announcement of nominees for the 38th annual Autosport Awards, and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is prominently featured across several key categories, offering fans the opportunity to shape the outcome through the dedicated Fan Vote. The prestigious awards ceremony, a highlight of the global motorsport calendar, recognizes outstanding achievements in racing, and this year, NASCAR’s brightest talents and most impactful moments have earned significant recognition.

In the highly competitive Rookie of the Year category, two drivers representing NASCAR have captured the attention of the voting public. Shane van Gisbergen, a formidable presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, and Connor Zilisch, a rising star in the Xfinity Series, have both been nominated. Their performances this season underscore the influx of exceptional talent entering the sport.

Shane van Gisbergen, driving for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series, has etched his name in the record books by securing an unprecedented five victories as a rookie. This remarkable achievement, all occurring on road or street course circuits, marks a historic streak for a first-year competitor. Van Gisbergen not only qualified for the NASCAR playoffs but also finished 12th in the championship standings, a testament to his rapid adaptation to the complexities of oval racing, a discipline distinct from his previous touring car exploits. His performance was statistically significant, with only Denny Hamlin winning more races throughout the season. Furthermore, van Gisbergen demonstrated notable improvement on ovals, achieving his first top-ten finish late in the season, signaling his growing mastery of the entire NASCAR spectrum.

Complementing van Gisbergen’s Cup Series heroics, Connor Zilisch has been a dominant force in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting a Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. Zilisch’s rookie campaign was nothing short of spectacular, yielding ten victories. His summer surge was particularly noteworthy, as he captured wins in seven out of eight races entered. This consistent excellence propelled him to the Championship 4, where he narrowly missed securing the title in a single-race finale. Across the entire Xfinity Series, Zilisch led the field in multiple statistical categories, including wins, top-five finishes, top-ten finishes, pole positions, and average finish, solidifying his status as a breakout star.

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The Team of the Year award sees NASCAR represented by Hendrick Motorsports, a titan of the sport that once again demonstrated its unparalleled pedigree by claiming the Bill France Cup for the Cup Series championship. While Joe Gibbs Racing led the Cup Series in overall race wins, Hendrick Motorsports ultimately clinched the ultimate prize, marking their 15th championship in the last 31 seasons. This victory ended a three-year championship streak for Team Penske. The strength of Hendrick Motorsports was evident in the championship race, with two of the four final contenders hailing from their stable, and all four of their drivers qualifying for the playoffs. The team achieved eight race victories throughout the season, including victory in the sport’s most prestigious event, the Daytona 500, with William Byron securing his second consecutive win in "The Great American Race."

In the Moment of the Year category, a pivotal strategic decision during the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway has been nominated. Presented by Bahrain International Circuit, this nomination highlights a critical juncture in the season finale. With a late-race caution forcing overtime, crew chief Cliff Daniels of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet made a bold call to take only two right-side tires during a crucial pit stop. This tactical maneuver, executed on the second consecutive pit stop, granted driver Kyle Larson improved track position. On the subsequent restart, Larson skillfully navigated the field, ultimately finishing third and clinching the championship without leading a single lap in the decisive race. This strategic gamble and its successful execution have been recognized as a defining moment of the racing year.

The Creator of the Year award celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted the sport through their content and engagement. Among the nominees is NASCAR YouTuber Eric Estepp, whose commentary and analysis channel has garnered a substantial following of over 250,000 subscribers. Estepp’s content consistently attracts tens of thousands of viewers, providing a fresh and engaging perspective on top-level stock car racing. His journey began approximately 14 years ago with a diecast stop-motion channel, evolving into a unique platform that allows NASCAR fans to connect with the sport. He has established himself as a must-watch personality for a significant portion of the fanbase.

The Fan Vote for the Autosport Awards is now open, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to cast their ballots for their favorite drivers, teams, and moments. This engagement mechanism ensures that the passion and dedication of motorsport fans play a direct role in recognizing the sport’s most deserving contributors. The winners will be announced at the 38th Autosport Awards ceremony, a grand occasion that celebrates the pinnacle of motorsport achievement.