As the NASCAR season nears its conclusion in Phoenix, excitement builds not only around the upcoming championship but also the ongoing Chase Elliott NASCAR popularity contest. Long-time favorite Chase Elliott, who has captured the fan-voted honor seven times, currently trails in third, while Ryan Blaney leads the pack according to the latest results.
This development has sparked vibrant discussion among fans, igniting fresh support for Blaney and raising questions about shifting trends in NASCAR fandom as the season draws to a close.
Ryan Blaney Takes the Lead in Most Popular Driver Award Voting
With the end of the season approaching and the much-anticipated ‘NASCAR Most Popular Driver’ award about to be announced, many fans have been keeping a close eye on the standings. Ryan Blaney now occupies the top spot, surpassing both Ross Chastain from Trackhouse Racing, who holds second, and defending titleholder Chase Elliott, who sits third this year. Rounding out the top five are Denny Hamlin in fourth and Kyle Larson in fifth.
The battle for popularity extends beyond just the Cup Series. In the Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports leads in fan votes, while Toni Breidinger is favored in the Craftsman Truck Series. The anticipation is high as all three divisions await their champions, but the driver popularity contest is equally a point of pride for competitors and their supporters.
Fan Sentiment Rallies Behind Blaney’s Rise
The announcement of Blaney’s lead over Elliott in the Cup Series immediately prompted enthusiastic reactions across social media, with many fans eager to explain why the Team Penske driver deserves the distinction. One fan posted:
“I’m just glad NASCAR is finally realizing that Blaney is the real face of the sport. He has the charisma, he’s hilarious, and he can act his lil butt off. Put him on every screen.”
— Fan, Social Media
Many supporters drew attention to Blaney’s positive off-track contributions, highlighting his constant efforts to represent NASCAR at various events. A supporter commented:
“Exactly why he [Blaney] deserves to win the Most Popular Driver award over Chase Elliott.He does so much for the sport. He’s always willing to travel on behalf of NASCAR to help promote events – like he did for the Chicago and Mexico race weekends. He also seems to be the only Cup Series driver who consistently gives the checkered flag to a young fan, which I absolutely love. He’s all around a great dude.”
— Fan, Social Media
Fans also compared Blaney’s media appeal and personality to iconic drivers. As one put it:
“And when I say Ryan is the only NASCAR driver who could pull a Jeff Gordon and host SNL, then what.”
— Fan, Social Media
Some comments focused on personalities and fan engagement, contrasting Blaney’s accessible image with criticisms of Elliott. One user wrote:
“Always liked blaney over Elliot he actually has personality. Elliot didn’t want to be in the documentary last year and now charges $100 purchase to get an autograph that’s the face of the sport.”
— Fan, Social Media
Personal fan experiences also played a role in these opinions, with one supporter recalling:
“He also treats you like a human when you ask for a photo or autograph. Unlike another popular driver I’ve met.”
— Fan, Social Media
Blaney’s Popularity and What Lies Ahead for NASCAR
The groundswell of support for Ryan Blaney marks a notable shift in the Chase Elliott NASCAR popularity narrative, reflecting changing trends as fans seek drivers who demonstrate personality, accessibility, and dedication to the sport both on and off the track. Despite his popularity, Blaney’s season ended with heartbreak as he narrowly missed a shot at the championship’s final four in Phoenix, ending Team Penske’s notable dominance at this venue.
Looking forward, the final announcement of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver in all series remains eagerly awaited, with attention on whether Blaney’s current fan momentum holds steady. As NASCAR continues to grow and reach fresh audiences, the outcome of this vote will shape stories about driver influence, fan loyalty, and the evolving face of the sport’s next era.
I'm just glad NASCAR is finally realizing that Blaney is the real face of the sport. He has the charisma, he's hilarious, and he can act his lil butt off. Put him on every screen.
— 👩🏾🚀Astro⁷✨ (@astro_kianna) October 28, 2025
Exactly why he deserves to win the Most Popular Driver award over Chase Elliott.
He does so much for the sport. He’s always willing to travel on behalf of NASCAR to help promote events—like he did for the Chicago and Mexico race weekends.
He also seems to be the only Cup Series… https://t.co/Xu5eshtEyP
— patrick hazelett (@nascarpatrick) October 29, 2025
And when I say Ryan is the only NASCAR driver who could pull a Jeff Gordon and host SNL then what
— Madelyn 🌻 (@SunflowrMads) October 28, 2025
Always liked blaney over Elliot he actually has personality. Elliot didn’t want to be in the documentary last year and now charges $100 purchase to get an autograph that’s the face of the sport lol
— J.D. Thomas (@jd_thomas37) October 29, 2025
He also treats you like a human when you ask for a photo or autograph. Unlike another popular driver I’ve met
— The Dog Saint (@TheDogSaint) October 29, 2025
