Kyle Busch Wins Best Driver Espy Award
Kyle Busch wins 2016 Best Driver Award via The ESPY’s. See below to view the full list of 2016 ESPY Award winners. A full history of the ESPY’s Best Driver Award has also been listed.
Kyle Busch becomes the 9th NASCAR driver to win the Best Driver Award since it’s inception in 1993. Former NASCAR drivers to win the award include; Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick.
This is the second year in a row that a NASCAR driver has won the Best Driver Award. Kevin Harvick was the previous years winner. 2013 and 2014 featured Indycar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay receiving the award. Other than 13-14, a NASCAR driver has won every year since 2006.
Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have received the Best Driver Award more frequently than any racing driver across any form of motorsports. Johnson won four consecutive years between 2008-2011. Gordon also shares the most frequent recipient title. Gordon was also given the Best Driver Award four times.
Michael Schumacher was the last Formula 1 driver to receive the same award. Schumacher took the Best Driver Award at the ESPY’s in 2005.
Full List of 2016 ESPY Winners
Best Driver: Kyle Busch
Male Athlete: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Female Athlete: Breanna Stewart, UConn
Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Breakthrough Athlete: Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs
Play: Aaron Rodgers’ Hail Mary to Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Moment: City of Cleveland wins first title in 52 years
Upset: Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey, UFC
Comeback Athlete: Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Championship Performance: LeBron James
Game: NBA Finals, Game 7
Coach: Tyronn Lue, Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Player: LeBron James
MLB Player: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
NFL Player: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Male College Athlete: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
Female College Athlete: Breanna Stewart, UConn
Male Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic
Female Tennis Player: Serena Williams
Male Action Sports Athlete: Ryan Dungey
Female Action Sports Athlete: Jamie Anderson
Male Athlete with a Disability: Richard Browne
Female Athlete with a Disability: Tatyana McFadden
International Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer
Best MLS player: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC
WNBA Player: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
Male Golfer: Jordan Spieth
Female Golfer: Lydia Ko
Jockey: Mario Gutierrez
Bowler: Jason Belmonte
Fighter: Conor McGregor
SPECIAL AWARDS
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Craig Sager
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Zaevion Dobson
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Sgt. Elizabeth Marks
Icon Award: Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning and Abby Wambach
Best Driver Award History
| Year | Driver | Racing series | Type of vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Nigel Mansell | Formula One | Open wheel |
| 1994 | Nigel Mansell | CART | Open wheel |
| 1995 | Al Unser, Jr. | CART | Open wheel |
| 1996 | Jeff Gordon | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 1997 | Jimmy Vasser | CART | Open wheel |
| 1998 | Jeff Gordon | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 1999 | Jeff Gordon | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2000 | Dale Jarrett | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2001 | Bobby Labonte | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2002 | Michael Schumacher | Formula One | Open wheel |
| 2003 | Tony Stewart | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2004 | Dale Earnhardt, Jr. | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2005 | Michael Schumacher | Formula One | Open wheel |
| 2006 | Tony Stewart | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2007 | Jeff Gordon | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2008 | Jimmie Johnson | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2009 | Jimmie Johnson | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2010 | Jimmie Johnson | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2011 | Jimmie Johnson | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2012 | Tony Stewart | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2013 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | IndyCar Series | Open wheel |
| 2014 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | IndyCar Series | Open wheel |
| 2015 | Kevin Harvick | NASCAR | Stock car |
| 2016 | Kyle Busch | NASCAR | Stock car |
Data: EPSY’s
