NMPA Most Popular Driver Award: Chase Elliott secured the 2023 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters, a notable feat announced during the NASCAR Awards at the Music City Center on Thursday night.
This achievement marks Elliott’s consecutive sixth win of the Most Popular Driver Award. Despite a season fraught with challenges, including missing seven NASCAR Cup Series races and falling short in his pursuit of the driver playoffs, Elliott played a pivotal role in guiding the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts team to the Round of 8 in the owner playoffs. Throughout the season, he accumulated seven top-five finishes and 15 top-10s in 29 starts.
Reflecting on the hurdles of the 2023 campaign, Elliott shared, “Last year was rough in many aspects, but that’s life. It’s a continuous journey of growth and adaptation. The experiences encountered along this path offer new insights. I see the upcoming year as an opportunity to evolve, both as a driver and as an individual. I’m eagerly anticipating this chance for growth and improvement.”
The NMPA Most Popular Driver Award holds a storied legacy in the sport, tracing back to its inception in 1953. This year’s win marks the 18th time a Hendrick Motorsports driver has claimed this honor. Darrell Waltrip previously secured the award in 1989 and 1990, while Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s tenure with Rick Hendrick‘s team led to an impressive streak, winning the award for all ten years from 2008 to 2017, contributing to a record-setting 15-year consecutive run.
The Elliott family’s legacy in this realm is substantial, tallying an impressive 22 Most Popular Driver Awards between Chase Elliott’s six wins and his father Bill Elliott’s record 16 victories. Bill holds the distinction of securing the award the most times in the sport’s history, closely followed by Earnhardt Jr.’s remarkable 15 victories.
Elliott expressed gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the award in relation to his family’s impact on the sport. “This award embodies and extends my family’s deep connection within this sport. I acknowledge my place within this lineage and recognize their immense contributions. Its significance lies in the fans and their unwavering support toward my family, our team, and myself throughout the years. Their incredible support is cherished, and I never take it for granted. I am grateful for their continuous encouragement and backing.”
Viewers can catch the 2023 NASCAR Awards airing on Peacock this Sunday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. ET.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the most popular driver in the 2023 Nascar Cup series?
Chase Elliott has once again been crowned as the NASCAR Cup Series‘ Most Popular Driver for the sixth year in a row. This impressive feat is a testament to his unwavering popularity among fans of the sport. It’s clear that his talent on the track and his engaging personality off it have won over the hearts of many. Congratulations to Chase on this well-deserved honor!
Who won Nascar’s most popular driver award this year?
For the sixth consecutive year, Chase Elliott has been crowned the NASCAR Most Popular Driver. This prestigious award is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work in the sport. As a seasoned professional, Elliott has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with on the track. His impressive track record and loyal fan base have earned him this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Chase Elliott on this remarkable achievement!
How to vote for most popular driver?
Cast your vote now for the 2023 zMAX CARS Tour Most Popular Driver Award! The polls are open on FloRacing.com for both the Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model divisions. You can show your support for drivers who participated in over 80% of the races in their respective division’s schedule this past season. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your voice heard and help your favorite driver take home the coveted title. Head over to FloRacing.com and cast your vote today!
How much money did Chase Elliott win?
The past contracts for this player show that in 2019, at the age of 24, they earned a total salary of $9.5 million. In 2020, at the age of 25, their total salary was $10.2 million. In 2021, at the age of 26, their total salary was $8 million. As for 2022, no contract information is available yet.
