Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. has been named the 2017 New Jersey Sportsperson of the Year.

The honor was announced by NJ.com.

It is the second year this award been presented with Olympian Laurie Hernandez being named the winner last year. Eligibility for the award was the individual had to be either a N.J. native or have a central role with a N.J.-based team and had an impact on the N.J. or national sports scene while carrying him or herself with class.

The Furniture Row Racing driver is a native of Mayetta, N.J. and was nominated alongside Todd Frazier (New York Yankees), Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils), Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics), Devin McCourty (New England Patriots), Sydney McLaughlin (high school athlete), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin football player), and Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels).

Truex capped off an incredible ’17 season in the Cup Series by winning his first championship on Nov. 19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The No. 78 team won eight races, 19 stages and led over 2,000 laps.

Off the track, Truex has been a champion for numerous charities. This year, the bond between Truex and girlfriend Sherry Pollex (pictured with Truex) was highlighted as Pollex battled ovarian cancer, a cause Truex has also helped raise money and awareness.