Though #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. didnt enjoy as much success as he might have liked in 2014, his performance was strong enough to secure Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors . Stenhouse, who finished 22nd Sunday, beat out girlfriend #10-Danica Patrick for the recognition as top rookie in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. ‘It means a lot, looking at all the other names that have won this award’ Stenhouse said. ‘It definitely wasnt the season that we wanted, but we slowly but surely got a little bit better throughout the season. I was proud of what we did, of getting better, qualifying better, having runs up front, leading laps throughout this year. I thought we had a chance at winning some races there, at least being in contention. I was proud of those moments. All in all, it was a huge learning experience. Thankful we made it through; its behind us now. We can move on to next year, look on improving every spot at every track that we can in the final points standings.”( NASCAR Wire Service )
