NASCAR Most Popular Driver Reign: Chase Elliott, despite facing the toughest season of his career, clinched his stronghold on the NASCAR most popular driver award for an impressive sixth consecutive year.
In a challenging season marred by his absence from seven races and a playoff miss, Elliott didn’t attend the season-ending awards ceremony at the Music City Center, but made a notable appearance to collect the sole fan-voted accolade.
The voting results by the National Motorsports Press Association placed Elliott ahead of newly crowned NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney and his Hendrick Motorsports cohort Kyle Larson.
The Elliott legacy in NASCAR’s most popular driver sphere continues, with Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and father of the 2020 Cup champion, previously amassing a record 16 wins before voluntarily stepping out of the competition.
Elliott reflected, saying, “This award for me is a testament to my family’s lasting impact on this sport. I acknowledge my place in this lineage and what they’ve contributed. It holds a special place due to the incredible support shown by fans to my family, including myself. Their unwavering support has been truly remarkable.”
The lineage of the Elliott and Earnhardt names in NASCAR’s most popular driver category is noteworthy. Dale Earnhardt Sr. won the award in 2001, the year he tragically lost his life in the season-opening Daytona 500, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 15-year reign. For 33 consecutive years, either an Elliott or an Earnhardt has clinched this prestigious title.
In a winless 2023 season, Elliott also failed to secure a playoff spot for the first time in his eight-year Cup career. A broken leg from a snowboarding accident led to him missing six races, while a one-race suspension for an incident involving Denny Hamlin in the Coca-Cola 600 further complicated his year, culminating in a 17th place finish in the final Cup standings.
Reflecting on the challenging year, Elliott said, “Last year was a test in many ways, but that’s the journey of life. You learn, grow, and reinvent yourself through adversities. This year brought new experiences. I see the upcoming year as an opportunity to evolve, to excel both as a driver and as an individual, aiming to start strong at Daytona.”
Following shoulder surgery on Nov. 17 to address a torn labrum, Hendrick Motorsports confirmed Elliott’s readiness for the 2024 season.
In other series recognitions, Justin Allgaier claimed the title of most popular driver in the Xfinity Series, while Hailie Deegan earned the honor in the Truck Series.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the most popular Nascar driver in history?
With a whopping 16 Most Popular Driver Awards in the Cup Series, Bill Elliott has undoubtedly made a name for himself in the NASCAR world. This national award covers all NASCAR series, making his achievement all the more impressive. In 1954, Lee Petty took home the series championship, solidifying his place in NASCAR history.
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 NASCAR most popular driver 2023?
Race fans have the power to make their voices heard by voting for their favorite driver once a day on NASCAR.com or through the NASCAR Mobile app. Not only can they vote for the Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, but they can also cast their ballots for the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series. It’s important to note that voting will close on Wednesday, Nov. 30, so make sure to get your votes in before then!
Who is the best Nascar racer of all-time?
Discover the top 15 NASCAR drivers of all time, ranked according to their years of activity. The list includes legendary names such as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Petty, and Jimmy Johnson, who have all made significant contributions to the sport. Other notable drivers include David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, Cale Yarborough, Rusty Wallace, and Bill Elliott. These drivers have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of NASCAR enthusiasts.
