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Best Driver ESPY Award

{{Short description|Motorsports award}}

{{Use American English|date=December 2017}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}}

{{Infobox award

| name = Best Driver ESPY Award

| current_awards =

| image =

| imagesize =

| alt =

| caption =

| awarded_for = Racing driver of the year

| presenter = ESPN

| country =

| location = Los Angeles (2019)

| year = 1993

| year2 =

| holder = Max Verstappen

| website = {{URL|http://www.espn.co.uk/espys/}}

}}

The Best Driver ESPY Award, known alternatively as the Best Auto Racing Driver ESPY Award, is an annual award honoring the achievements of an individual from the world of motorsports. It was first awarded as part of the ESPY Awards in 1993.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfTXAQAAQBAJ&q=Bill+France+Sr.+built+Daytona+International+Speedway+Daytona+500&pg=PA328|title=American Sports: A History of Icons, Idols and Ideas|last=Nelson|first=Murry R.|authorlink=Murry R. Nelson|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2013|isbn=978-0-313-39753-0|location=Santa Barbara, California|pages=399–401|accessdate=June 24, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626131804/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=tfTXAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA328&lpg=PA328&dq=Bill+France+Sr.+built+Daytona+International+Speedway+Daytona+500&source=bl&ots=M78hv00TU7&sig=8aIprlCZ77goRvWR7jdykDitkyc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vg6LVcvcI6uv7Aaf2oKoDg&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Bill%20France%20Sr.%20built%20Daytona%20International%20Speedway%20Daytona%20500&f=false|archivedate=June 26, 2015|df=mdy-all}} The Best Driver ESPY Award trophy, designed by sculptor Lawrence Nowlan,{{cite news|url=http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130802/NEWS03/708029923/0/FEATURES10|title=Sculptor commissioned to complete Joe Frazier statue has died|last=Avard|first=Christian|date=August 2, 2013|newspaper=Barre Montpelier Times Argus|access-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221231935/http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130802/NEWS03/708029923/0/FEATURES10|archive-date=February 21, 2014|url-status=dead}} has been presented annually to the racing driver adjudged to have performed the best in a given calendar year. Since 2004, the winner has been chosen by online voting through three to five choices selected by the ESPN Select Nominating Committee.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espy2004/s/2004/0421/1786981.html|title=The 2004 ESPY Awards - Fans to decide all 2004 ESPY Award winners|publisher=ESPN|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190648/http://www.espn.com/espy2004/s/2004/0421/1786981.html|archivedate=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=23 January 2018|df=mdy-all}} Before that, determination of the winners was made by an panel of experts.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espy/features/01083044.html|title=Committee is newly found|date=February 3, 1999|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190739/http://www.espn.com/espy/features/01083044.html|archive-date=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|accessdate=23 January 2018|df=mdy-all}} Through the 2001 iteration of the ESPY Awards, ceremonies were conducted in February of each year to honor achievements over the previous calendar year; awards presented thereafter are conferred in July and reflect performance from the June previous.{{#tag:ref|Because of the rescheduling of the ESPY Awards ceremony, the award presented in 2002 was given in consideration of performance betwixt Fethbruary 2001 and June 2002.|group="n"}}{{cite press release|title=New categories unveiled for The 2002 ESPY Awards|date=2002|publisher=ESPN|url=http://www.espn.com/espy2002/s/awardcategories.html|access-date=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052554/http://www.espn.com/espy2002/s/awardcategories.html|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

The inaugural winner of the award was British driver Nigel Mansell who finished the 1992 season with a then record-breaking nine wins and fourteen pole positions en route to winning his sole Formula One World Drivers' Championship.{{cite web|last=Rider|first=Steve|authorlink=Steve Rider|title=F1 Legends - Nigel Mansell|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/25412/7762588/f1-legends-nigel-mansell|publisher=Sky Sports|date=April 10, 2013|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222104845/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/25412/7762588/f1-legends-nigel-mansell|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Mansell moved to the Championship Auto Racing Teams the following year, and won the series title at the first attempt,{{cite web|last=Allen|first=James|authorlink=James Allen (journalist)|title=Mansell's Indy 500 near-miss|url=https://www.autosport.com/indycar/feature/5334/mansell-indy-500-nearmiss|work=Autosport|date=May 23, 2013|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051153/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/feature/5334/mansell-indy-500-nearmiss|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}} earning him a second ESPY Award in 1994. Mansell is one of six drivers to have won the award more than once. {{As of|2022}}, multiple NASCAR Cup Series champions Jeff Gordon (1996, 1998, 1999, 2007) and his teammate Jimmie Johnson (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) have won the most awards with four each. NASCAR drivers have won more awards than any other motorsports series, with nineteen victories, followed by Formula One with five wins. It was not awarded in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news|last=Messer|first=Lesley|date=June 19, 2020|title=7 ways the 2020 ESPYS will be different amid the pandemic|publisher=Good Morning America|url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/ways-2020-espys-amid-pandemic-71286965|url-status=live|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620003348/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/ways-2020-espys-amid-pandemic-71286965|archive-date=June 20, 2020}} The most recent winner of the award was Formula One driver Max Verstappen who won the award in 2024.

Winners and nominees

class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+ Best Driver ESPY Award winners and nominees

style="white-space: nowrap;"

!scope="col"|Year

!scope="col" class="unsortable"| Image

!scope="col"|Driver

!scope="col"|Nationality

!scope="col"|Racing series

!scope="col"|Type of vehicle

!scope="col" class="unsortable"| Other nominees

!scope="col" class="unsortable"| Ref

1993

|File:Nigelcropped.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Nigel|Mansell}}

|{{flag|GBR}}

|Formula One

|Open wheel

| N/A

|{{cite web|title=Stewart named ESPY 'Driver of the Year.'|url=http://www.crash.net/nascar/news/87660/1/stewart-named-espy-driver-of-the-year|publisher=crash.net|date=July 18, 2003|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051556/http://www.crash.net/nascar/news/87660/1/stewart-named-espy-driver-of-the-year|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

1994

|File:Nigel Mansell 2007 cropped.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Nigel|Mansell}} (2)

|{{flag|GBR}}

|CART

|Open wheel

| N/A

|

1995

|File:Al Unser Jr 2011 Indianapolis.JPG

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Al|Unser Jr.}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|CART

|Open wheel

| align=left | Dale Earnhardt ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Michael Schumacher ({{flag|GER}}) – Formula One

|{{Cite news|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/bluefield-daily-telegraph-jan-21-1995-p-23/|title=ESPY nominees|date=January 21, 1995|work=Bluefield Daily Telegraph|access-date=April 12, 2018|agency=Associated Press|page=7|volume=101|issue=21|url-access=subscription |via=Newspaper Archive}}

1996

| File:1995 Winston Cup Champion Jeff Gordon NASCAR Photography By Darryl Moran.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jeff|Gordon}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | Michael Schumacher ({{flag|GER}}) – Formula One
Jacques Villeneuve ({{flag|CAN}}) – CART

|{{cite news|last=McKee|first=Sandra|title=Calm in the fast lane Jeff Gordon: Only 24, the Winston Cup champion returns eager and focused to show last season was for real|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/02/17/calm-in-the-fast-lane-jeff-gordon-only-24-the-winston-cup-champion-returns-eager-and-focused-to-show-last-season-was-for-real/|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|date=February 17, 1996|access-date=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052341/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1996-02-17/sports/1996048003_1_jeff-gordon-winston-cup-champion-drivers|archive-date=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

1997

|{{center|–}}

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jimmy|Vasser}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|CART

|Open wheel

| align=left | Terry Labonte ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Damon Hill ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One

|{{cite news|author=Sun Staff and Wire Reports|title=Sports Briefs: LV's Vasser wins auto racing ESPY|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/feb/11/sports-briefs-lvs-vasser-wins-auto-racing-espy/|newspaper=Las Vegas Sun|date=February 11, 1997|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052206/https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/feb/11/sports-briefs-lvs-vasser-wins-auto-racing-espy/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

1998

|File:Jeff Gordon - NASCAR 1997.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jeff|Gordon}} (2)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

|N/A

|{{Cite news|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/grapevine-sun-feb-12-1998-p-15/|title=Labonte brothers start Daytona racing week in style|date=February 12, 1998|work=The Grapevine Sun|access-date=February 8, 2018|issue=13|volume=103|page=3B|url-access=subscription |via=NewspaperArchive.com}}

1999

|File:Jeff Gordon 1998 by Darryl Moran.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jeff|Gordon}} (3)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | Dale Earnhardt ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Mark Martin ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR

|{{cite news|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/021699/pro_021699078.shtml#.Wjqvr1Vl_IU|title=McGwire captures three ESPY awards|date=February 16, 1999|newspaper=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|accessdate=December 20, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052647/http://lubbockonline.com/stories/021699/pro_021699078.shtml#.Wjqvr1Vl_IU|archivedate=December 22, 2017|url-status=live|agency=Associated Press|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin Nominated for ESPYs|url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/jeff-gordon-dale-earnhardt-mark-martin-nominated-for-espys/|website=motorsport.com|date=December 17, 1998|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051055/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/jeff-gordon-dale-earnhardt-mark-martin-nominated-for-espys/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2000

|File:Dale Jarrett 1997.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Dale|Jarrett}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | John Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Juan Pablo Montoya ({{flag|COL}}) – CART

|{{cite web|last=Buck|first=Ron|title=Daily Dish: Dale & Dale show at the ESPYs|url=http://www.espn.com/auto/nascar/daytona00/s/2000/0215/358547.html|publisher=ESPN|date=February 14, 2000|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027125049/http://www.espn.com/auto/nascar/daytona00/s/2000/0215/358547.html|archivedate=October 27, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

2001

|File:BobbyLabonte2006.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Bobby|Labonte}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | Gil de Ferran ({{flag|BRA}}) – CART
John Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Buddy Lazier ({{flag|USA}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Kevin|title=Newman earns 4th win in 6 ARCA tries|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/021201/Sports/Newman_earns_4th_win_.shtml|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|date=February 12, 2001|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052206/http://www.sptimes.com/News/021201/Sports/Newman_earns_4th_win_.shtml|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2002

|File:Michael Schumacher-I'm the man (cropped).jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Michael|Schumacher}}

|{{flag|GER}}

|Formula One

|Open wheel

| align=left | Hélio Castroneves ({{flag|BRA}}) – CART
Gil de Ferran ({{flag|BRA}}) – CART
John Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Jeff Gordon ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Kevin Harvick ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Sam Hornish Jr. ({{flag|USA}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite news|last=Armijo|first=Mark|title=Schumacher is top ESPY nominee|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/124699345/|newspaper=Arizona Republic|page=46|date=June 21, 2002|accessdate=December 20, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053136/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/124699345/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2003

|File:FEMA - 598 - Photograph by Kevin Thorne taken on 10-01-2000 in Virginia.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Tony|Stewart}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | John Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Gil de Ferran ({{flag|BRA}}) IndyCar
Sam Hornish Jr. ({{flag|USA}}) – IndyCar
Michael Schumacher ({{flag|GER}}) – Formula One

|{{cite web|last=D. Berto|first=Victor|title=Tony Stewart wins the ESPY Awards|url=http://f1mania.lance.com.br/nascar/1115-tony-stewart-vence-o-espy-awards/|publisher=F1 Mania|language=Portuguese|date=July 21, 2003|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052916/http://f1mania.lance.com.br/nascar/1115-tony-stewart-vence-o-espy-awards/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2004

|File:Daleearnhardtjr.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Dale|Earnhardt Jr.}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar
Matt Kenseth ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Tony Pedregon ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Michael Schumacher ({{flag|GER}}) – Formula One

|{{cite web|last=Vega|first=Michael|title=New rule gets green light|url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/other_sports/autoracing/articles/2004/07/17/new_rule_gets_green_light/?page=1|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=July 17, 2004|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105215/http://archive.boston.com/sports/other_sports/autoracing/articles/2004/07/17/new_rule_gets_green_light/?page=1|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2005

|File:Michael Schumacher 01 (sk).jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Michael|Schumacher}} (2)

|{{flag|GER}}

|Formula One

|Open wheel

| align=left | Greg Anderson ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Kurt Busch ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Dan Wheldon ({{flag|GBR}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite web|last=Lewandowski|first=Dave|title=Drivers proud of ESPY nominations|url=http://indycar.com:80/news/story.php?story_id=5031|publisher=Indy Racing League|date=July 13, 2005|accessdate=December 20, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051202045920/http://indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5031|archivedate=December 2, 2005|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

2006

|File:TonyStewartAugust2007.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Tony|Stewart}} (2)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Jimmie Johnson ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Sam Hornish Jr. ({{flag|USA}}) – IndyCar
Melanie Troxel ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Dan Wheldon ({{flag|GBR}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite news|title=2006 ESPY Awards Winners; Steelers earn best team kudo|url=https://variety.com/2006/tv/news/2006-espy-awards-winners-1200339986/|work=Variety|date=July 12, 2006|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906034340/http://variety.com/2006/tv/news/2006-espy-awards-winners-1200339986/|archivedate=September 6, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=Nominees Announced and Fan Voting Begins for 14th Annual ESPYs|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/news/story?id=2500946|publisher=ESPN|date=June 28, 2006|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105100318/http://www.espn.com/espn/news/story?id=2500946|archivedate=January 5, 2018|df=mdy-all}}

2007

|File:National Guard Bureau.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jeff|Gordon}} (4)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left | Dario Franchitti ({{flag|GBR}}) – IndyCar
Kevin Harvick ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Tony Schumacher ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

|{{cite web|title=Gordon Talladega Nights Win Espys|url=http://www.mrn.com/Race-Series/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup/News/Articles/2007/07/Gordon-Talladega-Nights-Win-Espys.aspx|publisher=Motor Racing Network|date=July 12, 2007|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052626/http://www.mrn.com/Race-Series/NASCAR-Sprint-Cup/News/Articles/2007/07/Gordon-Talladega-Nights-Win-Espys.aspx|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2008

|File:JimmieJohnsonAugust2007 cropped.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jimmie|Johnson}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Kyle Busch ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar
Lewis Hamilton ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One
Tony Schumacher ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

|{{cite web|last=Heath|first=Mitch|title=Jimmie Johnson Wins ESPN ESPY|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/38660-jimmie-johnson-wins-espn-espy?=related-tabs|publisher=Bleacher Report|date=July 17, 2008|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053125/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/38660-jimmie-johnson-wins-espn-espy?=related-tabs|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2009

|File:Jimmie Johnson 2008 Talladega.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jimmie|Johnson}} (2)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Hélio Castroneves ({{flag|BRA}}) – IndyCar
Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar
Lewis Hamilton ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One
Tony Schumacher ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

|{{cite press release|title=Johnson repeats as Best Driver in ESPYs|url=http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/6821/johnson-repeats-as-best-driver-in-espys|publisher=Hendrick Motorsports|date=July 16, 2009|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222065430/http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/6821/johnson-repeats-as-best-driver-in-espys|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2010

|File:Jimmie Johnson.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jimmie|Johnson}} (3)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Kyle Busch ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Dario Franchitti ({{flag|GBR}}) – IndyCar
Ron Hornaday Jr. ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Tony Schumacher ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

|{{cite news|last=Martel|first=Charles|title=Donovan, Brees Most Awarded in ESPY's Awards 2010|url=http://wwnn.co.uk/donovan-brees-most-awarded-in-espys-awards-2010/1718/|publisher=WWNN|date=July 15, 2010|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=usurped|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105036/http://wwnn.co.uk/donovan-brees-most-awarded-in-espys-awards-2010/1718/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2011

|File:Jimmie Johnson, Richmond 2011 (cropped).jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Jimmie|Johnson}} (4)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Greg Anderson ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
John Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Dario Franchitti ({{flag|GBR}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite web|title=Friday Top News; Jimmie Johnson Wins "Best Driver" ESPY|url=https://www.frontstretch.com/2011/07/14/friday-top-news-17/|publisher=Frontstretch|date=July 14, 2011|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051153/https://www.frontstretch.com/2011/07/14/friday-top-news-17/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2012

|File:TSM350 - 2015 - Tony Stewart - 1 - Stierch.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Tony|Stewart}} (3)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Dario Franchitti ({{flag|GBR}}) – IndyCar
Sebastian Vettel ({{flag|GER}}) – Formula One
Del Worsham ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

|{{cite press release|title=Stewart wins 2012 'Best Driver' ESPY Award|url=https://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2012/07/12/tstewart-espy-best-driver-2012.html|publisher=NASCAR|date=July 12, 2012|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051053/https://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2012/07/12/tstewart-espy-best-driver-2012.html|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2013

|File:PLM12 Ryan Hunter-Reay.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Ryan|Hunter-Reay}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|IndyCar Series

|Open wheel

| align=left |Tony Kanaan ({{flag|BRA}}) – IndyCar
Brad Keselowski ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Sebastian Vettel ({{flag|GER}}) – Formula One

|{{cite web|last=DiZinno|first=Tony|title=Hunter-Reay wins ESPY for Best Driver, first for IndyCar since 1997|url=http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2013/07/18/hunter-reay-wins-espy-for-best-driver-first-for-indycar-since-1997/|publisher=NBC Sports|date=July 18, 2013|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620130035/http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2013/07/18/hunter-reay-wins-espy-for-best-driver-first-for-indycar-since-1997/|archivedate=June 20, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2014

|File:GoPro Grand Prix 2015 33 - Stierch.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Ryan|Hunter-Reay}} (2)

|{{flag|USA}}

|IndyCar Series

|Open wheel

| align=left |Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar
Dale Earnhardt Jr. ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
John Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

|{{cite web|title=IndyCar: Hunter-Reay joins title hunt after post-Indy depression comes to end|url=https://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/indycar-hunter-reay-joins-title-hunt-after-post-indy-depression-comes-to-end-071714|work=Fox Sports|date=July 17, 2014|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222123953/https://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/indycar-hunter-reay-joins-title-hunt-after-post-indy-depression-comes-to-end-071714|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2015

|File:TSM350 - 2015 - Kevin Harvick - Stierch 4 Cropped.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Kevin|Harvick}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Erica Enders-Stevens ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Lewis Hamilton ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One
Juan Pablo Montoya ({{flag|COL}}) – IndyCar
Will Power ({{flag|AUS}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite web|last=DeGroot|first=Nick|title=Harvick wins ESPY for 'Best Driver'|url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/harvick-wins-espy-for-best-driver/|website=motorsport.com|date=July 16, 2015|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051053/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/harvick-wins-espy-for-best-driver/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2016

|File:TSM - Kyle Busch - 2015 - Stierch - 07.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Kyle|Busch}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car

| align=left |Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar
Erica Enders-Stevens ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Lewis Hamilton ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One
Alexander Rossi ({{flag|USA}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite web|last=Larson|first=Mike|title=NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch wins 'Best Driver' ESPY|url=http://autoweek.com/article/nascar-sprint-cup/nascar-sprint-cup-champion-kyle-busch-wins-best-driver-espy|work=Autoweek|date=July 14, 2016|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054020/http://autoweek.com/article/nascar-sprint-cup/nascar-sprint-cup-champion-kyle-busch-wins-best-driver-espy|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2017

|File:Lewis Hamilton 2016 Malaysia 2.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Lewis|Hamilton}}

|{{flag|GBR}}

|Formula One

|Open Wheel

| align=left |Ron Capps ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Jimmie Johnson ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Simon Pagenaud ({{flag|FRA}}) – IndyCar
Martin Truex Jr. ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR

|{{cite web|title=ESPY Awards: Complete Winners List|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/espy-awards-2017-complete-winners-list-1019813/item/espys-nominations-best-male-athlete-1015705|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 12, 2017|accessdate=December 20, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052820/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/espy-awards-2017-complete-winners-list-1019813/item/espys-nominations-best-male-athlete-1015705|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

2018

|File:TSM350 - 2015 - Martin Truex Jr. - 1 - Stierch.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sort name|Martin|Truex Jr.}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car racing

| align=left |Brittany Force ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Lewis Hamilton ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One
Josef Newgarden ({{flag|USA}}) – IndyCar Series

| {{cite web|last=Albert|first=Zack|title=Martin Truex Jr. named Best Driver at ESPY Awards|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/07/18/martin-truex-jr-named-best-driver-espy-awards/|publisher=NASCAR|date=19 July 2018|accessdate=19 July 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719051324/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/07/18/martin-truex-jr-named-best-driver-espy-awards/|archivedate=19 July 2018|url-status=live}}

2019

|File:Kyle Busch (30103820550) - Cropped.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sort name|Kyle|Busch}} (2)

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car racing

| align=left | Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar Series
Lewis Hamilton ({{flag|GBR}}) – Formula One
Steve Torrence – ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA

| {{cite web|title=Kyle Busch Adds Another ESPY Award to Trophy Case|url=https://www.mrn.com/2019/07/11/kyle-busch-adds-another-espy-award-to-trophy-case/|publisher=Motor Racing Network|date=July 11, 2019|accessdate=July 12, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712140733/https://www.mrn.com/2019/07/11/kyle-busch-adds-another-espy-award-to-trophy-case/ |archive-date=July 12, 2019 }}{{cite news|title=Kilgore's Steve Torrence among 4 finalists for 'Best Driver' at 2019 ESPY Awards|url=https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/kilgores-steve-torrence-among-4-finalists-for-best-driver-at-2019-espy-awards/501-2cb0236d-de9b-4384-be7b-d74b2bd29d9d|publisher=KYTX|date=June 25, 2019|accessdate=July 12, 2019}}

2020

| colspan=6 align=center|Not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic

|

2021

|File:Lewis Hamilton 2016 Malaysia 2.jpg

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Lewis|Hamilton}} (2)

|{{flag|GBR}}

|Formula One

|Open Wheel

| align=left |Erica Enders ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Chase Elliott ({{flag|USA}}) – NASCAR
Scott Dixon ({{flag|NZL}}) – IndyCar

|{{cite web|title=2021 ESPYs Award Winners|url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/page/voting-winners/2021-espys-award-winners|work=ESPN|date=July 10, 2021|accessdate=July 10, 2021}}

2022

|100px

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Kyle|Larson}}

|{{flag|USA}}

|NASCAR

|Stock car racing

| align=left |Álex Palou ({{flag|ESP}}) – IndyCar
Steve Torrence ({{flag|USA}}) – NHRA
Max Verstappen ({{flag|NLD}}) – Formula One

|{{cite web|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/the-2022-espys-nominees/ |title=The 2022 ESPYS Nominees |website=espnpressroom.com |date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/id/34271763/2022-espys-award-winners |title=2022 ESPYS: Full list of award winners |website=ESPN.com |access-date=July 20, 2022 |date=July 20, 2022}}

2023

|150x150px

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Max|Verstappen}}

|{{flag|NED}}

|Formula One

|Open Wheel

| align=left |Brittany Force ({{flag|USA}}) - NHRA
Kyle Larson ({{flag|USA}}) - NASCAR
Josef Newgarden ({{flag|USA}}) - IndyCar

|{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=2023 ESPYS: Full list of award winners |url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/id/38001789/full-list-award-winners |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The 2023 ESPYS Nominees |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/the-2023-espys-nominees/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S. |language=en-US}}

2024

|150x150px

!scope="row"| {{sortname|Max|Verstappen}} (2)

|{{flag|NED}}

|Formula One

|Open Wheel

| align=left |Ryan Blaney ({{flag|USA}}) - NASCAR
Matt Hagan ({{flag|USA}}) - NHRA
Álex Palou ({{flag|ESP}}) - IndyCar

|{{Cite web |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/the-2024-espys-nominees/ |title=The 2024 ESPYS Nominees |website=espnpressroom.com |date=June 26, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/id/40520337/2024-espys-winners-list |title=2024 ESPYS: Here is the list of winners |website=ESPN.com |date=July 11, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}}

Statistics

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align: center"

|+Winners by nation represented

scope="col" |Nation

!scope="col" |Winners

!scope="col" |Nominations

scope="row"| {{flag|USA}}

| 23

| 72

scope="row"| {{flag|GBR}}

| 2

| 17

scope="row"| {{flag|GER}}

| 2

| 8

scope="row"| {{flag|NLD}}

| 2

| 3

scope="row"| {{flag|BRA}}

| 0

| 6

scope="row" | {{flag|NZL}}

| 0

| 7

scope="row"| {{flag|COL}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{flag|AUS}}

| 0

| 1

scope="row"| {{flag|CAN}}

| 0

| 1

scope="row"| {{flag|FRA}}

| 0

| 1

scope="row"| {{flag|ESP}}

| 0

| 2

{{col-3}}

class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center"

|+Winners by series

scope="col" |Series

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number"|Winners

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number"|Nominations

scope="row"| NASCAR

| 19

| 39

scope="row"| Formula One

| 7

| 20

scope="row"| IndyCar

| 2

| 29

scope="row"| CART

| 3

| 8

scope="row"|NHRA

| 0

| 23

{{col-3}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center"

|+Multiple winners and nominees

! scope=col | Name

! scope=col data-sort-type="number" | Wins

! scope=col data-sort-type="number" | Nominations

scope="row" | {{sort name|Jeff|Gordon}}

| 4

| 5

scope="row" | {{sort name|Jimmie|Johnson}}

| 4

| 7

scope="row" | {{sort name|Tony|Stewart}}

| 3

| 3

scope="row" | {{sort name|Lewis|Hamilton}}

| 2

| 8

scope="row" | {{sort name|Michael|Schumacher}}

| 2

| 6

scope="row" | {{sort name|Kyle|Busch}}

| 2

| 4

scope="row" | {{sort name|Max|Verstappen}}

| 2

| 3

scope="row" | {{sort name|Ryan|Hunter-Reay}}

| 2

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Nigel|Mansell}}

| 2

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Kevin|Harvick}}

| 1

| 3

scope="row" | {{sort name|Dale|Earnhardt Jr.}}

| 1

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Scott|Dixon}}

| 0

| 7

scope="row" | {{sort name|John|Force}}

| 0

| 6

scope="row" | {{sort name|Dario|Franchitti}}

| 0

| 4

scope="row" | {{sortname|Tony|Schumacher|Tony Schumacher (drag racer)}}

| 0

| 4

scope="row" | {{sort name|Erica|Enders}}

| 0

| 3

scope="row" | {{sort name|Gil|de Ferran}}

| 0

| 3

scope="row" | {{sort name|Sam|Hornish Jr.}}

| 0

| 3

scope="row" | {{sort name|Greg|Anderson|dab=dragster driver}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Hélio|Castroneves}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Dale|Earnhardt}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Juan Pablo|Montoya}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Sebastian|Vettel}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Josef|Newgarden}}

| 0

| 2

scope="row" | {{sort name|Dan|Wheldon}}

| 0

| 2

{{col-end}}

See also

Notes

{{Reflist|30em|group=n}}

References

{{reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{webarchive |url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20020223000325/http://www.hickoksports.com/history/espyawrd.shtml |title=Enumeration of past winners from HickokSports.com |date=2002-02-23}}

{{ESPYs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Best Driver Espy Award}}

Category:Auto racing trophies and awards

Category:ESPY Awards