Justin Allgaier Wins Richard Petty Driver of the Year Over Kyle Larson—Was He the Right Choice?
Kyle Larson might be one of the most dominant drivers in NASCAR today, but the 2024 Richard Petty Driver of the Year award didn’t go his way. Instead, Xfinity Series veteran Justin Allgaier finally got his moment in the spotlight, securing the prestigious honor after years of near misses.
Allgaier’s Long-Awaited Recognition
Allgaier’s consistency in the Xfinity Series has been undeniable. The JR Motorsports driver, who had finished in the top five of the standings ten times before his 2024 championship win, was finally rewarded for his perseverance. He secured two wins and ten top-five finishes, delivering clutch performances at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway to clinch his first title.
For many, this recognition was long overdue. After narrowly missing out on the award in 2023 to Max Verstappen, Allgaier was finally given credit for his contributions to NASCAR’s second tier.
Larson’s Dominance—But No Championship
Today @J_Allgaier was recognized as the @NMPAonline Richard Perry driver of the year. Well deserved and he is the first Xfinity driver to receive this award! He edges out @KyleLarsonRacin in a tight ballot. pic.twitter.com/atk7YeANaN
— Doug Rice (@Riceman61) February 9, 2025
On the other side, Kyle Larson’s case for the award was compelling. The Hendrick Motorsports driver won six Cup Series races in 2024, more than anyone else. However, the controversial playoff format saw him miss out on the Championship 4, leaving fans wondering if he was unfairly snubbed. Had Larson secured the Bill France Cup, many believe he would have been the clear-cut choice for the Petty award.
Max Verstappen’s Influence and the Award’s History
The Richard Petty Driver of the Year award is voted on by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) and has been given out annually since 1969. Last year, Max Verstappen took the honor after winning 19 of 22 Formula 1 races, highlighting that dominance alone doesn’t guarantee a championship. Similarly, Larson’s six-win season wasn’t enough to secure him the ultimate NASCAR prize—or the Petty award.
Dale Jr.’s Big Gamble on Allgaier for the Daytona 500
Allgaier’s big moment isn’t stopping with the award. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is giving him another shot at the Cup Series, selecting him to drive the No. 40 Chevy in JR Motorsports’ debut at the Daytona 500 in 2025. With Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey as the primary sponsor, this will be a major test for the 38-year-old driver.
Explaining his decision, Dale Jr. praised Allgaier’s professionalism and leadership:
> “When we sat down and really thought about it, one of the things that I appreciate about Justin is, not only is he fast, and not only has he helped us—but his professionalism off the racetrack, with our partners. He does a great job with his crew. Engaging with his team. Keeps a solid attitude, outside of the car and inside the car.”
Did the NMPA Get It Right?
While Larson’s fans will argue he was robbed, there’s no doubt that Allgaier earned his recognition after years of consistency. But with JR Motorsports now making its Cup debut, could Allgaier’s biggest moment still be ahead of him?
What do you think—did the NMPA make the right call, or was Larson the true driver of the year?