NASCAR Celebrates 2023 Achievements at Charlotte Awards Ceremony
In a prestigious awards ceremony held in downtown Charlotte, NASCAR recognized its standout performers and champions of the 2023 season. Co-hosted by Alex Alexander, the event highlighted achievements from grassroots racers to elite drivers, underscoring the sport’s vibrant community.
The evening began with the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champions. Brendon Fries, a three-time champion, received accolades for winning titles in the West Region, Idaho State, and Meridian Speedway. Kenna Mitchell received the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award, honoring his efforts as a two-time All-American Speedway champion. He stated, “I hope to inspire the next generation of racers.”
Jacob Goede secured his second consecutive NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national championship, claiming ten wins this season. NASCAR Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek presented him with the trophy, while Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President, awarded him a champion’s ring.
International series champions were also acknowledged, including Rubens Barrichello, who, at age 53, clinched the NASCAR Brasil Series title having amassed 11 wins. Vittorio Ghirelli commented on his second consecutive NASCAR Euro Series championship, noting, “To reconfirm is even harder. We delivered when it counted.”
The evening recognized 22-year-old Austin Beers, the youngest champion in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, who edged past four-time champion Justin Bonsignore. Beers reflected on his season’s consistency, stating, “Every race we finished top 10 and 12 of 16 we were top five.”
Awards for the ARCA Menards Series included Trevor Huddleston, crowned West Series champion, and Isaac Kitzmiller, who earned the East Series title with top-10 finishes in all races. Kitzmiller emphasized the significance of his achievement, saying, “This really shows all the hard work I’ve put into my career.”
Bill Venturini was recognized for his contributions to the ARCA Menards Series as he heads into retirement. The evening also celebrated Bounty Rookie of the Year honors for Isabella Robusto, who noted, “It means a lot to show we can run up front.”
Brenden Queen, celebrating his first major series title and birthday, claimed eight victories this season and is set to compete full-time with Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. “It’s special to know that my name has gotten to that part of the sport,” he commented, acknowledging the journey ahead.
The ceremony concluded with a reflection on the past season’s successes, reminding attendees of the dedication and talent that drive NASCAR forward.
