NASCAR’s season-ending awards ceremony in Charlotte once again crowned Chase Elliott as the sport’s most popular driver for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition, determined entirely by fan votes, underscores Elliott’s enormous appeal in the racing world. But while Elliott’s popularity seems unquestionable, a deeper look at his recent performance on the track raises a pressing question — is the No. 9 driver being carried more by his star power and family legacy than by consistent results?
The story of Chase Elliott’s popularity is intertwined with NASCAR history itself. Yet, in 2025, his performance has left critics and fans alike debating whether his name alone is enough to hold him atop the popularity polls. With strong performances from teammates and mounting pressure from team management, Elliott’s season has been a rollercoaster. This article explores Chase Elliott’s popularity, the reality check from Hendrick Motorsports leadership, fan frustrations, and the future outlook for NASCAR’s enduring fan-favorite.
Chase Elliott Popularity in NASCAR
Chase Elliott’s reign as NASCAR’s most popular driver isn’t just a recent phenomenon. Following in the footsteps of his father Bill Elliott, affectionately known as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” Chase has continued the Elliott family’s long-standing legacy of fan admiration. Bill Elliott claimed the Most Popular Driver award 16 times before voluntarily removing his name from the ballot, paving the way for Chase to make his own mark.
In 2024, Chase secured the Most Popular Driver title for the seventh straight year with a commanding 266,363 votes, beating out teammates Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney. This streak continues a 34-year tradition where either an Elliott or an Earnhardt has won the fan-voted award — a testament to NASCAR fans’ loyalty to family dynasties and personalities.
Chase himself acknowledges this legacy as both an honor and a responsibility. “You always want to carry your family name in the proper manner,” he told the Associated Press. “It is an extension of a lot of hard work from my dad and his brothers and my grandfather.” His humility and connection with fans keep his popularity robust, even during rough patches on the track.
Teammates and competitors recognize the depth of Elliott’s fan base. Ryan Blaney joked that Elliott’s popularity seems unbeatable until he retires, calling him a driver with “a lot of people who really love him.” Tyler Reddick echoed this sentiment, calling it “Chase’s award to lose.”
But while Elliott’s connection with fans remains strong, the question remains: does his on-track performance justify such a status?
Jeff Gordon’s Stern Reality Check on Chase Elliott
The voice of Hendrick Motorsports’ leadership has not been shy in calling out Elliott’s recent shortcomings. Jeff Gordon, the team’s vice chairman and a four-time Cup Series champion, delivered a blunt assessment after Elliott’s underwhelming 18th-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Gordon made it clear that while Elliott’s No. 9 team faced some penalties, the expectations at Hendrick are high — and mediocrity is not acceptable. Compared to teammates Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman, who have consistently contended for wins, Elliott’s struggles have stood out.
Elliott’s 2025 season paints a mixed picture. After a promising start with two wins at Bowman Gray Stadium and a solid fourth-place finish at Martinsville, he has lacked the consistency that defines championship contenders. He currently sits sixth in the standings but trails his teammates in key metrics such as top-five finishes and laps led.
More concerning for Hendrick is Elliott’s two speeding penalties in five races — a sharp contrast to his previous discipline with just one speeding penalty in 109 prior races. This lapse has cost valuable track position and undermined his ability to compete for wins.
Gordon’s message was clear: Elliott has the talent, but he needs to step up.
“He is being compared with some of the best in the business. And right now, he’s not measuring up.” – Jeff Gordon
Fans Criticism and Calls for Change on the No. 9 Team
NASCAR fans, passionate and vocal, have not hesitated to express frustration over recent mistakes by Elliott’s No. 9 team. A glaring example came at Kansas Speedway, where Elliott’s chance to win the AdventHealth 400 was shattered by a pit crew error. After battling teammate Kyle Larson for the lead, Elliott’s jack dropped prematurely, causing a delayed tire change that cost him track position and ultimately the race.
Fans took to social media demanding changes, especially targeting crew chief Alan Gustafson. Many argued that Hendrick Motorsports should consider a replacement, especially with veteran crew chiefs like Rodney Childers being openly critical of the situation.
Elliott himself responded to these critiques in an exclusive interview with Express U.S. Sports, defending Gustafson while acknowledging the team must improve. However, the mounting pressure from fans and the media reflects the high expectations placed on Elliott — both as a driver and as a public figure carrying the Elliott family legacy.
Chase Elliott 2025 Performance Overview
Here’s a snapshot of Elliott’s 2025 season performance so far:
Wins: 1 (at Bowman Gray Stadium in early February)
Top-5 finishes: 3 (including a recent 3rd at North Wilkesboro)
Top-10 finishes: 7
Current points standing: 4th
While solid, these numbers pale compared to his Hendrick teammates who have multiple wins and more consistent front-running finishes. For a driver with Elliott’s talent and equipment, this marks a concerning dip.
Opinion: Chase Elliott Will Shine Given Time
Despite the criticism and uneven results, Chase Elliott remains one of NASCAR’s most gifted young drivers. His smooth, calculated driving style stands out on the track, and his mental toughness was evident in his 2024 bounce-back season after a winless 2023.
History shows that drivers often face challenging phases in their careers, and Elliott’s current struggles are not unprecedented. With a strong support system at Hendrick Motorsports and his intrinsic drive, it’s reasonable to believe he will regain momentum.
Moreover, Elliott’s fan base and family legacy create an invaluable buffer, allowing him time and space to recalibrate. NASCAR fans value not just victories but personality, connection, and the story behind the driver — elements Elliott has in abundance.
The critical question isn’t whether Elliott is carried by popularity — it’s whether his talent and resilience will ensure he keeps pace with expectations in 2025 and beyond.
News in Brief: Chase Elliott 2025 NASCAR Performance
Chase Elliott’s dominance in NASCAR’s popularity polls underscores his status as a fan-favorite and a legacy carrier for one of the sport’s most storied families. Yet, as Hendrick Motorsports’ Jeff Gordon pointedly reminds us, popularity cannot replace consistent on-track performance.
Elliott’s 2025 season has shown flashes of brilliance alongside frustrating inconsistencies. The pressure from fans and critics is mounting, but his talent and history of bouncing back make him a driver to watch.
Whether Elliott’s popularity remains a reflection of his current skill or a testament to his enduring legacy, one thing is clear — NASCAR fans will continue to rally behind the No. 9 as he fights to prove that his place at the top is earned both on and off the track.
ALSO READ: Chase Elliott shares views on NASCAR Mexico City race: Is this the sport’s big leap beyond the US?
