On December 2, 2021 NASCAR held its annual awards ceremonies in Nashville.  While the burnouts on Broadway were a bit hit, the presentation of the awards was the highlight of the week.

With his win in Phoenix for the final race of the season, Kyle Larson was crowned the champion.  Larson led 2,581 laps on his way to earning 10 wins for the Cup season.  NASCAR President Steve Phelps noted that this was Larson’s first championship; adding that he was sure it would not be his last.

Also earning their first championships, Ben Rhodes took home the trophy in the Camping World Truck Series and Daniel Hemric took the title in the Xfinity Series.

Winning his 14th championship as an owner, Rick Hendrick said, “It never gets old.”

Chase Elliott came up a little short to repeat as the champion but he took home the trophy for the Most Popular driver for the fourth year in a row.  Elliott noted that the fans have been a big part of his career.  Elliott also won the award twice when he drove in the Xfinity Series.

In the Xfinity Series, JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier won the Most Popular Driver award.  Allgaier joins fellow JR Motorsports winners Elliott Sadler, Regan Smith, and Danica Patrick.  JR Motorsports is owned by 15 time Cup Series Most Popular Driver winner Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Camping World Truck Series rookie driver Hailie Deegan took home the Most Popular Driver Award in the Truck Series.

Previously announced, Jeff Harmon – a longtime volunteer for Down Syndrome Louisville – received his award as the Betty Jane France Humanitarian winner.

Bob Jenkins was posthumously awarded the NMPA Myers Brothers Award.

Goodyear executive Stu Grant received the Buddy Shuman Award.