Chase Elliott has once again secured the Chase Elliott NASCAR Most Popular Driver title, winning the National Motorsports Press Association’s Most Popular Driver award for the eighth year in a row as of 2025. The announcement continues a longstanding tradition in NASCAR, highlighting Elliott’s ongoing popularity with fans and his strong performance on the track this season.
Elliott’s Reign as Fan Favorite Continues
First selected as NASCAR Cup’s Most Popular Driver in 2018, Chase Elliott has maintained his top status every year since, extending his streak in the NMPA fan vote through 2025. This notable achievement continues the Elliott family legacy—his father, Bill Elliott, claimed the same award 16 times from 1984 through 2002. The tradition of either an Earnhardt or Elliott holding the title has now lasted 35 consecutive years, underscoring the lasting influence of these racing dynasties.
Before Chase Elliott’s dominance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured the Most Popular Driver honor over 15 consecutive seasons until his retirement, reinforcing the deep connections both the Earnhardt and Elliott names hold in NASCAR culture. This year, Chase Elliott capped his season by finishing eighth in the Cup Series overall points and celebrating two hard-fought wins on the track.
Elliott Reflects on Fan Support
After receiving word about his latest recognition, Elliott took a moment to thank his supporters and acknowledge the impact of the award.
“I just got the news a little bit ago, and I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on that some,”
said Chase Elliott in a video message. He continued,
“Thank you for the votes. Thank you for taking the time out of your day and supporting us in that way and supporting me in that way, but man it’s so much more than the votes. I tell a lot of people this that I talk to about it, it’s really about the people and the support that I get to see firsthand and I know not everybody has that vantage point or that perspective, but it truly is incredible and every year, it blows me away to travel to parts of the country that you would never think people are that passionate about what we’re doing.”
— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Just prior to the final announcement, NASCAR identified Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Elliott as the top five drivers in the voting, highlighting the competitive nature of the fan-driven accolade and the strong followings each of these drivers enjoy.
Other Most Popular Driver Awards: Xfinity and Truck Series
Beyond the Cup Series, additional honors were awarded in NASCAR’s other major competitions. In the Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier, a longtime contender and the 2024 series champion, was selected as the Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. Allgaier’s ongoing popularity is evident in his five titles over the last six years, temporarily interrupted only in 2022 when Noah Gragson earned the distinction. The 2025 season saw Allgaier finishing third overall, with three race victories bringing his career total to 28.
In the NASCAR Truck Series, Rajah Caruth was named the Most Popular Driver for the second year running. The 23-year-old driver, racing for Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, wrapped up the 2025 season sixth in points and has earned two career wins. Caruth is poised to take on new challenges as he transitions to the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports next season, where he will compete in a significant portion of the schedule.
Also recognized during this period was veteran broadcaster Mike Joy, who received the prestigious Myers Brothers Award from the NMPA, further highlighting significant contributions across the NASCAR community both on and off the racetrack.
The Impact of Fan Engagement on NASCAR
The continued success of the Elliott family, combined with strong showings from drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Denny Hamlin, demonstrates the passionate following that shapes the NASCAR experience. The Most Popular Driver award serves as a symbol of the bond between the athletes and their supporters, reflecting an enduring connection that continues to influence the direction of the sport. As Chase Elliott, Justin Allgaier, and Rajah Caruth look forward to upcoming seasons, the dedication of their fans and the broader NASCAR community remains a driving force behind the sport’s ongoing excitement and legacy.
