Chase Elliott Secures Record Eighth Consecutive NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award

Charlotte, NC – Chase Elliott has once again been recognized by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) as the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver, marking his eighth consecutive victory in this prestigious fan-voted award. The Hendrick Motorsports driver first claimed the honor in 2018 and has maintained his status as the sport’s most beloved competitor ever since. This latest accolade continues a remarkable legacy within NASCAR, extending the streak of either an Earnhardt or Elliott family member winning the award to an astonishing 35 consecutive years.

Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, was a dominant force in fan voting, securing the Most Popular Driver award an impressive 16 times between 1984 and 2002. Following Bill’s era, Dale Earnhardt Jr. captivated fan bases for 15 consecutive seasons, from 2003 until his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition. Chase Elliott’s current reign of eight straight wins places him firmly in the annals of NASCAR history, showcasing an enduring connection with the sport’s passionate fanbase.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season saw Chase Elliott finish eighth in the final points standings, accumulating two race victories. His 2020 championship season remains a career highlight, demonstrating his consistent ability to contend for the ultimate prize.

Upon receiving the news of his latest award, Elliott shared his gratitude in 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 announcement also revealed the top five vote-getters in the NASCAR Cup Series, with Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Elliott being the leading contenders. This list represents a strong contingent of fan favorites across various teams and backgrounds within the premier stock car racing series.

Sustained Popularity Across NASCAR’s National Series

The tradition of fan favoritism extends to NASCAR’s other national series, with notable drivers also earning Most Popular Driver honors for their respective divisions.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier, the reigning 2024 series champion, has been voted the Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. Allgaier, a veteran competitor, has now secured this award five times in the last six seasons. His dominance was briefly interrupted in 2022 by Noah Gragson. Allgaier concluded the 2025 Xfinity Series season third in the final standings, having achieved three race wins during the year, bringing his career total to 28 victories. His consistent performance and engaging personality have clearly resonated with the Xfinity Series fanbase.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series also saw a familiar face take home the Most Popular Driver award. Rajah Caruth, driving for Spire Motorsports, earned the honor for the second consecutive year. The 23-year-old driver is set to make a significant step up in his career, moving to the Xfinity Series next season to compete in a substantial portion of the schedule with JR Motorsports. Caruth has secured two victories in his Truck Series career and finished the 2025 season sixth in the final standings, showcasing his developing talent and growing appeal.

NMPA Recognizes Broadcaster and Honors Legacy

In addition to the driver awards, the National Motorsports Press Association also presented the prestigious Myers Brothers Award to veteran broadcaster Mike Joy. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport of NASCAR. Joy, a long-time voice of NASCAR, has been a consistent presence in broadcasting booths for decades, bringing the excitement of the races to millions of fans.

The continued success of the Elliott family in the Most Popular Driver voting underscores a unique and enduring connection between drivers and fans in NASCAR. This recognition is a testament to not only on-track performance but also to the personality, accessibility, and engagement drivers demonstrate with their supporters throughout the season. As Chase Elliott continues his career, his ability to connect with and inspire a vast fanbase solidifies his position as a modern-day icon in the sport. The tradition, embodied by the Earnhardt and Elliott names, serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted history and the passionate community that defines NASCAR.