Chase Elliott Clinches Eighth Consecutive Most Popular Driver Title
Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for the eighth consecutive year, a testament to his enduring appeal among fans. The announcement was made during the NASCAR Awards ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Elliott secured 56% of the total votes cast by fans.
In the voting results, Elliott was followed by notable competitors Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson, listed alphabetically. This award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association, highlighting the significance of fan engagement in the sport.
In a video message, Elliott expressed gratitude for the support: “Thank you for the votes… it’s really about the people and the support that I get to see firsthand.” He emphasized the deep connections he feels with fans across the country, stating, “I just want to make sure everyone understands that I’m forever grateful for that.”
Elliott, who drives the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, has been a consistent force in the popularity rankings since his rookie season in 2016—only missing the honor in his first two years when it was awarded to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Following Earnhardt’s retirement in 2017, Elliott has dominated the fan vote.
Overall, Elliott has been voted Most Popular Driver 10 times throughout his career, including victories in both full seasons in the Xfinity Series (2014 and 2015). He currently ranks behind Bill Elliott, his father, who leads with 16 wins, while Earnhardt Jr. follows closely with 15.
This accolade further solidifies Elliott’s status as a fan favorite in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his combination of skill on the track and strong fan interaction proving pivotal to his enduring popularity.
