NASCAR AWARDS
NASCAR Celebrates the Stars of 2021 in Nashville
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BY HOLLY CAIN, NASCAR WIRE SERVICE
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n abundant and enthusiastic welcome was punc-
tuated by a packed ballroom and a litany of genuine feel-good moments as NASCAR celebrated and culminated its 2021 season with the Champion’s Week Banquet in Nashville during December. NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team were properly feted during the annual Awards Banquet at the Music City Center, with a racing A-list attending to celebrate the highlights of the 2021 NASCAR season – and three firsttime national series champions. “This was his first [championship], but I’m sure it won’t be his last,” NASCAR President Steve Phelps said as he introduced Larson. After taking the stage, Larson promised not to get too emotional but the gratefulness was evident in his voice and on his face. “I’m humbled to be standing up here in front of many of my heroes, friends and family tonight. As many of you know, my journey over the last year and a half to get to this stage hasn’t been easy,” Larson said, before thanking his “best friend and wife Katelyn.” Before Larson’s championship conclusion, the NASCAR industry celebrated each of the other national series champions – Ben Rhodes in the Camping World Truck Series and Daniel Hemric in the Xfinity Series. Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott received his fourth consecutive Most Popular Driver Award. Another annual award recognized during the main banquet was the prestigious Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. It went to Jeff Harmon, of Louisville, Kentucky – a longtime volunteer with Down Syndrome Louisville. Among the other big awards noted, the late broadcaster Bob Jenkins won the National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Award. And longtime Goodyear executive Stu Grant was given the Buddy Shuman Award.
A. Ben Rhodes is all smiles. B. Chase Elliott crushes the red carpet. C. Denny Hamlin poses in Air Jordans on the red carpet. D. Kyle Larson and his crew chief Cliff Daniels view the Goodyear Gold Car during a reception at The Joseph prior to the NASCAR Champion’s Banquet. E. 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion driver Kyle Larson, wife Katelyn, son Owen and daughter Audrey pose for photos with the Bill France NASCAR Cup Series Championship trophy. F. Kyle Larson speaks during the NASCAR Champion’s Banquet at the Music City Center. G. 2021 NASCAR ARCA Menards Series champion driver Ty Gibbs poses for photos on Broadway in Nashville. H. NASCAR Awards host Kelli Stavast speaks to a packed house at the Music City Center.
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POLE POSITION 2022
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