Jamaica’s trailblazing professional racing driver, Fraser McConnell, received the Motorsport Athlete of the Year (male) award for the third consecutive year at the RJR/Gleaner Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards 2023, on Friday.
Notably, McConnell also secured a nomination for the Sportsman of the Year award for the second time in three years, having been nominated previously in 2022. World Championships 400m gold medalist Antonio Watson won the Sportsman of the Year 2023, with Hansle Parchment, the 110m hurdles silver medalist earning the first runner-up spot.
McConnell’s dual nominations held particular significance as he was the sole non-track and field athlete among the male nominees, a testament to his remarkable impact in the world of motorsport.
Gratitude for the recognition
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, McConnell stated, “It’s an amazing feeling to be able to represent Jamaica on the international stage doing what I love, and being among the best athletes in the country once again is a big honor and a huge motivation for me going forward.”
He added, “Despite the judges’ decision on award night, I see this nomination as a great success and achievement, and I’ll remain focused, keep my head down, and continue to work hard and fly the flag high.”
In 2023, McConnell made his debut in the Extreme E series, achieving an impressive fourth-place finish in the Championship finale with his X44 Vida Carbon Racing team, owned by the renowned Sir Lewis Hamilton. In December, the team secured a podium finish in the final two rounds, ultimately claiming fourth place overall in Chile.
Accomplishments
Additionally, McConnell’s accomplishments extended to the Nitro Cross series in the United States, where he clinched victory in rounds one and four and secured a second-place finish in round five in Oklahoma and Arizona, further solidifying his status as a rising star in motorsport.
The highly competitive 2023 Sportsman of the Year award category featured notable athletes such as Hansle Parchment, Wayne Pinnock, Tajay Gayle, Jaheel Hyde, Antonio Watson, and Fraser McConnell, vying for this prestigious honor.
