David Wilson was honored with the prestigious Bill France Award for Excellence at the NASCAR Awards celebration in Charlotte. The outgoing Toyota Racing Development (TRD) president, who retires December 16, received the award from NASCAR chairman Jim France.

"I always come from a place of humility and I was well and truly stunned," Wilson said after receiving the award. "On my very best day, I am simply a reflection of a wonderful team that's supported me."

Wilson, the 29th recipient of this distinguished award, has been with Toyota for 35 years, serving as TRD president for the last 11. Under his leadership, Toyota achieved remarkable success in NASCAR, including:

• Three Cup Series driver championships (Kyle Busch 2015, 2019; Martin Truex Jr. 2017)
• Three manufacturer championships
• Three Daytona 500 victories with Denny Hamlin
• Seven Craftsman Truck Series manufacturer championships
• Four Truck Series driver championships
• One Xfinity Series manufacturer championship
• Three Xfinity Series driver championships

Toyota's entry into NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2007 marked a historic moment as the first foreign manufacturer to compete at this level since the 1950s. Wilson acknowledged the initial challenges Toyota faced but emphasized their commitment to earning respect within the sport.

"To look back on where we've come since then, and the acceptance that is largely out there for us, and the belief that I have that our sport is better with us being a part of it, that is special to me," Wilson reflected.

The Bill France Award for Excellence is one of NASCAR's highest honors, presented occasionally to individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport.

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