CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 14, 2026) – Ashly Ennis, director of racing communications for Hendrick Motorsports, has been named the recipient of the inaugural Jon Edwards Excellence in Public Relations Award, an honor recognizing outstanding performance, professionalism, and dedication within the NASCAR industry.
Ennis earned the award for her exceptional work during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and her continued impact throughout the garage. She currently serves as the communications representative for William Byron, a two-time and back-to-back DAYTONA 500 Champion, and has been widely respected for her strategic communication skills, strong media relationships, and unwavering support of her team and peers.
Throughout the season, Ennis played a pivotal role in managing high-profile media initiatives, navigating competitive race weekends, and elevating the public presence of both Byron, the No. 24 team and Hendrick Motorsports as a whole. Her collaborative approach and calm leadership have made her a trusted resource among drivers, media members, and fellow public relations professionals.
The Jon Edwards Excellence in Public Relations Award was established to honor the legacy of Jon Edwards, a long respected and beloved public relations representative who passed away in April 2025. Edwards, who worked with four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and most recently two-time champion Kyle Larson, was widely known for his integrity, mentorship, and passion for the sport, leaving a lasting impact on NASCAR’s communications community.
The award recognizes individuals who embody Edwards’ commitment to excellence, service, and character, both on and off the track. As the first recipient, Ennis sets the standard for the values the award was created to celebrate.
Ennis’ recognition not only highlights her individual accomplishments but also underscores the vital role public relations professionals play in shaping the stories and relationships that define NASCAR.
Ennis, 35, is a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgia Southern University. She joined Hendrick Motorsports in November 2018.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
