Everyday Champion

Who can be an Everyday Champion?

We believe Champions come in many shapes and forms. While we aim to keep eligibility broad, we do have some guidelines. Eligible nominees must be based in the U.S. We strongly prefer nominations for members of the emergency services community—such as firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel—as well as related professionals, like towing operators.

When can I nominate someone?

Our next nomination window will open late spring 2025.

How many people can I nominate?

If you know multiple deserving Champions, we encourage you to nominate them all. If you are nominating a deserving team, please submit them as a single nomination.

What does the recipient receive?

Winners will be honored at an induction ceremony at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC. They will be inducted into the Whelen Hall of Champions, celebrated alongside racing legends, and have their stories shared with the Whelen community nationwide.

What should I include in the description of contributions?

Include specific examples of the nominee’s actions, their impact on the community, and any recognition or awards they have received. Detailed and compelling stories are highly encouraged.

How are Everyday Champions selected?

Everyday Champions are selected based on the impact and significance of their contributions to their community. A panel of judges will review all nominations and choose the recipients who exemplify outstanding selflessness, humility, bravery, courage, and dedication.

What does a great nomination look like?

Lexington Community Paramedicine Team (Lt. Ken Howell, FF Patrick Branam, Detective Kristie Smith, CSW Maria Slone, and MSW Mackenzie Gross) – Lexington, KY

This team are a group of truly selfless individuals serving the community. They work with individuals with a variety of conditions, including mental illness and substance use disorder. They also work on the street with those people experiencing homelessness. All of the great people that this team serves have a story to tell. And this team gets the opportunity to listen to each of their stories, determine how best that we as first responders can assist them, and work to providing the assistance and services. This can include working to secure housing for an individual who is experiencing homelessness, advocating for a patient in a local emergency department, or assisting in locating treatment options for an individual who has substance use disorder. This small team impacts hundreds of people each year. They started the program in 2017, and it has grown to serve in the gaps that are in our community. They are available 7 days a week, providing guidance to the firefighters, paramedics, and police officers the available resources for individuals that they have responded to.