Matt Hagan Nominated for 2024 ESPYS ‘Best Driver’ Award

Four-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion Matt Hagan has been nominated for the 2024 ESPYS ‘Best Driver’ Award, recognizing his performance during the 2023 NHRA season. This accolade highlights Hagan’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, making him a standout contender among the best drivers in the world.

Hagan clinched his fourth career Funny Car title in 2023, marking a significant milestone for himself and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR). Driving his 11,000-horsepower TSR Dodge//Direct Connection Charger Funny Car, Hagan secured the first-ever NHRA championship for the team. The title also puts him in elite company, joining NHRA legends John Force, Kenny Bernstein, and Don Prudhomme as the only Funny Car drivers with four or more world titles.

TSR’s victory in just its second year in NHRA competition underscores its rapid rise to prominence. Hagan’s championship win provided TSR with its first world title, demonstrating the synergy and dedication within the team. Reflecting on the nomination, Hagan expressed his gratitude and emphasized the collective effort behind his success.

“I’m blown away to be nominated for the ESPYS,” Hagan said. “It just goes to show what you can do when you’re surrounded by a great group of guys who are motivated and work hard. It takes a small army to do what we do, and it does take everyone. It’s a huge opportunity, but it’s not just me, it’s the entire team.”

Hagan’s 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. He secured six victories and reached eight final rounds in the fiercely competitive Funny Car category. His consistency and skill kept him at the top of the points for much of the regular season. Hagan’s momentum continued into the Countdown to the Championship, where he won crucial playoff races in St. Louis and Dallas, ultimately securing the points lead and the championship.

Other highlights of his championship season included victories at Gainesville, Pomona 1, and Denver and a No. 1 qualifying position at Bandimere Speedway. Hagan also achieved a career milestone by earning his 50th Funny Car win at the four-wide race in Charlotte. He joined an exclusive club of drivers, including John Force, Ron Capps, and Robert Hight, with 50 or more Funny Car wins. Hagan and Force are the only drivers in Funny Car history with four or more world titles and 50 or more wins.

Fans can support Hagan by voting for him in the 2024 ESPYS Best Driver Award category. Voting is open until 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 11, just hours before the ESPYS air at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. Hagan expressed his appreciation for the fans, stating, “We’re thankful for all the fans who support us, and hopefully, they’ll go out and vote for us, but at the end of the day, I’m just very honored to be nominated.”

Hagan faces tough competition for the Best Driver Award. NASCAR’s Ryan Blaney, IndyCar’s Alex Palou, and Formula One’s Max Verstappen are joining him on the ballot. Fans can CLICK HERE to vote for Matt.

Source: NHRA.com