Charlotte, NC – Chase Elliott has once again been recognized as the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver, marking his eighth consecutive year holding this esteemed fan-voted honor. The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) announced the results, solidifying Elliott’s enduring connection with the sport’s fanbase. This remarkable streak began in 2018, cementing his status as a consistent favorite among NASCAR enthusiasts.
Elliott’s achievement extends a significant family legacy in the Most Popular Driver award. His father, Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, claimed the award an impressive 16 times between 1984 and 2002. This year’s recognition for Chase means that either an Earnhardt or an Elliott family member has been voted Most Popular Driver for an unbroken span of 35 years. Prior to Chase Elliott’s dominance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. held the title for 15 consecutive seasons before retiring from full-time Cup Series competition.
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season saw Chase Elliott finish eighth in the overall points standings, securing two race victories. His championship title in 2020 remains a highlight of his career, demonstrating his capability to perform at the highest level. Reflecting on the latest award, Elliott expressed his gratitude in a video message posted on 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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NASCAR had previously announced the top five vote-getters in anticipation of the final results. Alongside Elliott, drivers Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Denny Hamlin were recognized as the leading vote-earners, indicating a competitive field of fan favorites.
Xfinity and Truck Series Most Popular Drivers Recognized
The NMPA also presented the Most Popular Driver awards for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
In the Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier, the reigning 2024 series champion, was voted Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. This marks his fifth win in the last six seasons, with Noah Gragson briefly interrupting his streak in 2022. Allgaier concluded the 2025 season third in the final standings, having achieved three victories during the season, bringing his career total to 28 wins. Allgaier drives for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Most Popular Driver award went to Rajah Caruth for the second consecutive year. The 23-year-old driver, who competes with Spire Motorsports, is slated to move to the Xfinity Series next season, with a significant portion of his schedule planned with JR Motorsports. Caruth has secured two wins in his Truck Series career and finished sixth in the 2025 standings.
Additionally, veteran broadcaster Mike Joy was honored with the prestigious Myers Brothers Award from the NMPA, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.
The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) has been a cornerstone of recognizing excellence and fan engagement within motorsports for decades. The Most Popular Driver award, in particular, highlights the drivers who resonate most deeply with the spectator base, often reflecting a combination of on-track performance, personality, and accessibility. The continued dominance of Chase Elliott in this category underscores his ability to connect with a broad spectrum of NASCAR fans, echoing the strong fan bases cultivated by previous honorees like his father and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The award is voted on by members of the NMPA, comprised of motorsports journalists and media professionals, adding a layer of credibility to the fan sentiment it represents.
The tradition of the Earnhardt and Elliott families holding this award for such an extended period speaks to a generational connection with the NASCAR audience. Bill Elliott’s era was marked by his consistent success and a gentlemanly demeanor that endeared him to many. Dale Earnhardt Jr. inherited a significant portion of that fanbase, coupled with his own charisma and relatable personality, making him a beloved figure. Chase Elliott, while forging his own identity, has successfully carried forward this legacy, demonstrating that the ability to connect with fans transcends specific eras of the sport.
His comments about the passion he witnesses across the country highlight a key aspect of NASCAR’s appeal – its widespread and deeply rooted fanbase, often found in regions where the sport is a significant cultural touchstone. This appreciation for the fans’ dedication is a sentiment frequently expressed by successful drivers, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the competitors and those who follow their careers.
The inclusion of the top five vote-getters – Blaney, Larson, Chastain, and Hamlin – indicates a dynamic landscape of popular drivers. Blaney, known for his engaging personality and consistent performance, has a strong following. Kyle Larson, a fierce competitor and the reigning Cup Series champion, has garnered significant support. Ross Chastain’s aggressive driving style has made him a polarizing but undeniably popular figure. Denny Hamlin, a veteran with numerous wins and a prominent media presence, also commands a substantial fan base. The fact that Elliott has maintained his top position amidst such strong competition further emphasizes his unique appeal.
The Xfinity and Truck Series awards also highlight emerging and established fan favorites. Justin Allgaier’s consistent success and tenure in the Xfinity Series have clearly translated into sustained popularity. His ability to fend off challengers like Noah Gragson for this award speaks to his enduring connection with the fanbase. Rajah Caruth’s back-to-back wins in the Truck Series indicate a rapidly growing fanbase, likely fueled by his exciting performances and his upward trajectory within the sport. His impending move to the Xfinity Series with a prominent team like JR Motorsports suggests that his popularity is likely to continue to grow.
The Myers Brothers Award, presented to Mike Joy, is a separate but equally significant recognition from the NMPA. This award is typically given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to stock car racing, often recognizing their dedication, service, and impact on the sport beyond direct competition. Joy, a long-time and respected voice in NASCAR broadcasting, is a fitting recipient, representing the media’s crucial role in covering and shaping the narrative of the sport.
As NASCAR heads into future seasons, the continued popularity of drivers like Chase Elliott, alongside the rise of new fan favorites, will undoubtedly shape the sport’s engagement with its audience. The Most Popular Driver award, while a measure of fan sentiment, also serves as an indicator of the drivers who are most effectively embodying the spirit and passion of NASCAR racing. The unbroken streak of the Earnhardt and Elliott families underscores a powerful and enduring legacy that continues to captivate race fans across the nation.
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