The NASCAR Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR was introduced in 2015 to honor individuals who have made a significant impact on the sport, both on and off the track. Recognizing figures whose influence extends beyond race results, this award celebrates executives, track owners, broadcasters, and other key personalities who have shaped NASCAR’s history.
As we reflect on past winners, it’s clear that each recipient has played a crucial role in elevating stock car racing to new heights.
A Legacy of Influential Figures
2015 – Anne B. France
The inaugural Landmark Award was posthumously awarded to Anne B. France, the matriarch of NASCAR. As the wife of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., she was instrumental in the sport’s early days, handling business operations and ensuring NASCAR’s financial stability. Her leadership helped establish the foundation upon which the sport thrives today.
2016 – Harold Brasington
A visionary in motorsports, Harold Brasington built Darlington Raceway, NASCAR’s first superspeedway. His efforts in the early 1950s proved that stock car racing could succeed on a grander scale, paving the way for the construction of larger venues like Daytona International Speedway.
2017 – H. Clay Earles
The longtime owner of Martinsville Speedway, H. Clay Earles helped shape NASCAR’s short-track racing identity. Under his leadership, Martinsville became one of the sport’s most beloved tracks, known for its tight racing and iconic paperclip shape.
2018 – Jim France
A key figure in NASCAR’s expansion, Jim France played a major role in growing the sport internationally and in securing long-term stability. As a leader within NASCAR and IMSA, he has been deeply involved in shaping the business side of racing.
2019 – Joe Gibbs
Before his NASCAR Hall of Fame induction, Joe Gibbs was honored with the Landmark Award for his contributions as a team owner. His Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team has been one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR history, producing multiple Cup Series championships and developing star drivers.
2020 – Edsel Ford II
A lifelong ambassador for NASCAR, Edsel Ford II played a crucial role in Ford Motor Company’s involvement in stock car racing. His leadership and dedication strengthened Ford’s commitment to the sport, influencing its success in NASCAR competition.
2021 – Ralph Seagraves
As a key executive at R.J. Reynolds, Ralph Seagraves helped bring major sponsorship to NASCAR in the form of the Winston Cup Series. His efforts in the 1970s transformed the sport by securing long-term financial backing, boosting prize money, and increasing NASCAR’s national exposure.
2022 – Mike Helton
One of NASCAR’s most respected executives, Mike Helton served as NASCAR’s first non-France-family president. His leadership during the 2000s, particularly in safety advancements after Dale Earnhardt’s passing, played a crucial role in shaping modern NASCAR.
2023 – Janet Guthrie
A trailblazer in motorsports, Janet Guthrie was the first woman to compete in both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. Her impact on breaking gender barriers in NASCAR has left a lasting legacy for future female drivers.
2024 – Lesa France Kennedy
A driving force behind NASCAR’s business expansion, Lesa France Kennedy has overseen the growth of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and helped modernize NASCAR venues. Her leadership in track development and innovation has played a key role in the sport’s future.
What’s Next for the Landmark Award?
The 2025 Landmark Award recipient will continue the tradition of honoring those who have shaped NASCAR’s past, present, and future. With so many influential figures in the sport’s history, the selection process remains highly competitive.
As NASCAR evolves, this award serves as a reminder of the people who have built, nurtured, and grown the sport into what it is today. Whether through track development, corporate partnerships, or innovation, these individuals have made lasting contributions that will continue to impact NASCAR for generations to come.
