Chase Elliott Dominates NASCAR's Popularity Poll for Eighth Consecutive Year

Charlotte, NC – In a testament to his enduring appeal among racing enthusiasts, Chase Elliott has once again been named the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver. This marks the eighth consecutive year the Hendrick Motorsports driver has claimed the coveted National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) award, a streak that began in 2018. The announcement continues a remarkable family legacy, with Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, having previously won the award a record 16 times between 1984 and 2002.

This latest accolade for Chase Elliott further solidifies a unique dynasty of fan favoritism within NASCAR. The Earnhardt and Elliott families have now held the Most Popular Driver title for an unbroken 35 consecutive years. Prior to Chase Elliott’s current reign, Dale Earnhardt Jr. captivated fans for 15 consecutive seasons, amassing a devoted following before his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition.

Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, concluded the most recent 2025 season ranked eighth in the final standings, having secured two victories throughout the campaign. His consistent performance on track, combined with his approachable demeanor, has clearly resonated with the fanbase.

Upon receiving the news, Elliott shared his gratitude via a video message posted to social media. "I just got the news a little bit ago, and I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on that some," Elliott stated. "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."

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The NMPA award is a fan-driven honor, with votes cast by the dedicated supporters of the sport. A few days prior to the official announcement, NASCAR had indicated that Elliott was among the top five vote-getters, alongside fellow prominent drivers Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Denny Hamlin, underscoring the competitive nature of fan engagement in the series.

The popularity contest extends across NASCAR’s national series, recognizing emerging and established stars alike. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier, the reigning 2024 series champion, has been voted the Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. His dominance in this fan-chosen award has been significant, having won it five times in the last six years. Noah Gragson briefly interrupted Allgaier’s streak in 2022. Allgaier concluded the 2025 Xfinity season in third place in the final standings, adding three victories to his career total, which now stands at 28 wins.

In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Rajah Caruth has earned the Most Popular Driver award for the second year running. The 23-year-old driver, who is slated to move to the Xfinity Series next season with JR Motorsports for a significant portion of the schedule, impressed fans with his performances. Caruth has secured two wins in his Truck Series career and finished sixth in the final standings in 2025 driving for Spire Motorsports.

Beyond the driver awards, the NMPA also presented its prestigious Myers Brothers Award to veteran broadcaster Mike Joy, recognizing his long-standing contributions and impact on the sport.

The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) serves as the official voice for motorsports journalists and media members across the United States. The Most Popular Driver award, one of its most prominent accolades, has been a staple of NASCAR for decades, reflecting the deep connection between drivers and their fan bases. The criteria for the award are purely based on fan votes, making it a direct measure of a driver’s connection with the NASCAR audience.

Chase Elliott’s consistent success in this award highlights his ability to connect with a broad spectrum of fans. His racing style, often characterized by aggressive but clean driving, coupled with his youthful charisma and humble post-race interactions, has cemented his status as a fan favorite. The statistics behind his popularity are compelling; beyond his two wins in 2025, Elliott has consistently been a championship contender, demonstrating the kind of talent that garners admiration both on and off the track. His 2020 championship season, where he secured the title in a dramatic finale at Phoenix Raceway, undoubtedly played a significant role in bolstering his fan base.

The continuity of the Earnhardt and Elliott family dominance in the popularity polls speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of their racing legacies. The Earnhardt name, particularly Dale Earnhardt Sr., is synonymous with grassroots NASCAR fandom, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. carried that torch with immense popularity. The transition of this fan adoration to Chase Elliott, Bill Elliott’s son, signifies a passing of the baton and a testament to the continued strength of these influential racing families within the sport’s narrative.

The top five vote-getters in the Cup Series—Elliott, Blaney, Larson, Chastain, and Hamlin—represent a diverse group of drivers, each with their own unique appeal and racing pedigree. Blaney, known for his energetic personality and strong performances, has a significant following. Larson, a supremely talented driver who has overcome personal adversity to return to elite form, also commands considerable fan support. Chastain’s aggressive racing style has made him a polarizing yet popular figure, while Hamlin, a veteran with numerous wins and a prominent voice in the sport, continues to be a fan favorite. The fact that Elliott consistently emerges at the top of this competitive field underscores his unique ability to capture the hearts of a vast majority of NASCAR fans.

Looking ahead, Elliott’s continued success in the Most Popular Driver award suggests a strong foundation for his career and brand. As he navigates future seasons, his popularity will likely remain a significant factor in his marketability and influence within the sport. The ongoing narrative of his family’s legacy, combined with his own achievements on the track, ensures that Chase Elliott will continue to be a focal point for NASCAR fans for years to come. The continuity of this award also provides a consistent point of engagement for fans, allowing them to actively participate in celebrating their favorite drivers and reinforcing the community aspect of NASCAR.