Ashly Ennis, director of racing communications for Hendrick Motorsports, was presented with the first Jon Edwards Excellence in Public Relations Award during a ceremony in Mooresville, North Carolina on Wednesday evening. This honor, announced by NASCAR, recognizes Ennis’s outstanding contributions to the Hendrick Motorsports public relations efforts throughout the 2025 season and her wider influence within the NASCAR community.
Honoring the Legacy of Jon Edwards
The award is a tribute to Jon Edwards, a respected and influential public relations representative who left a significant mark on the sport before his sudden passing in April 2025. Edwards collaborated extensively with four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and two-time champion Kyle Larson at Hendrick Motorsports. His career was defined by integrity, mentorship, and enthusiasm, and he fostered meaningful relationships with individuals inside and outside the sport, setting a benchmark for excellence in communications.
Ceremony in Mooresville Highlights Ennis’s Achievements
Ennis’s distinction reflects her remarkable work during the 2025 NASCAR season, where she supported William Byron, the No. 24 Chevrolet driver and two-time DAYTONA 500 champion. Over eight seasons with Hendrick Motorsports, Ennis has become known as a leader in the garage, collaborating closely with media members and fellow public relations representatives. Her effective communication strategies have elevated the visibility of Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, and the No. 24 team, earning respect across the NASCAR community.
“Honestly, I’m a little bit in disbelief,”
Ennis told NASCAR.com.
“simply because there are so many people in this room who have contributed to my career — Jon by far the most. But there are so many people who have been in this sport longer than me, who worked with Jon before me that also contributed to my career. So, it’s a little bit of disbelief, but honestly, I’m just honored.”
– Ashly Ennis, Hendrick Motorsports Director of Racing Communications
Recognition from Peers and Family
Members of Jon Edwards’s family attended the ceremony and presented the inaugural trophy to Ennis. Jeff Gordon, whose collaboration with Edwards began in 1994, helped mark the occasion. Gordon expressed admiration for Ennis, emphasizing her dedication to the profession and to the standards set by Edwards.
“You’re amazing at what you do. I did not know this is happening, but I’m so proud, so happy,”
Gordon said.
“There’s very deserving people in this room, but I don’t know if there’s any more deserving right now at this moment than you. You’ve earned it. You deserve it, so congratulations.”
– Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Hall of Famer
A Journey Marked by Dedication and Mentorship
Ennis, originally from Ohio, joined Hendrick Motorsports in November 2018 after earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgia Southern University. Throughout her time at the organization, she has exemplified the core values Edwards displayed—commitment, service, and strong moral character. Her work with William Byron and her collaboration with colleagues have helped her build a prominent reputation within NASCAR’s communications network.
The Importance of Setting High Standards
The Jon Edwards Excellence in Public Relations Award, according to NASCAR, was established to spotlight individuals reflecting Edwards’s values both professionally and personally. Ennis worked alongside Edwards at Hendrick Motorsports, and she credits his guidance for shaping the way she and other professionals approach their duties. Ennis reflected on the challenge faced by newcomers who may never meet Edwards, stressing the profound influence he continues to have within the public relations field.
“There’s moments where I feel bad for the people who are going to be coming up through the ranks that will never know Jon on a personal level,”
Ennis said.
“And I hate that, because I feel like everyone should know Jon. But I just feel like it shows the level that we should strive for, and we should also go learn to make it in our own way.”
– Ashly Ennis, Hendrick Motorsports Director of Racing Communications
“There is no textbook, cut-and-dry ‘This is how the role is.’ And I say that even with training people. You can’t sit there and be like, ‘This is how the role is done,’ because it changes, and it changes every moment, every situation. But the gold standard is Jon. And I just feel like if everyone strives to be close to that, it just makes our sport a little better.”
– Ashly Ennis, Hendrick Motorsports Director of Racing Communications
Award Sets the Bar for the Future of NASCAR Public Relations
This award signifies more than the recognition of an individual—it elevates the overall standard of NASCAR public relations by honoring those who demonstrate integrity and dedication both on and off the track. By highlighting Ennis among her peers and in the eyes of NASCAR leaders like Jeff Gordon and William Byron, the event underscores the lasting effects of committed professionals on the sport’s evolution. As the Hendrick Motorsports public relations award establishes itself, future recipients will be measured not only by their achievements but also by their character, ensuring that Edwards’s values continue to shape NASCAR’s communication landscape.
