Chase Elliott added another win to his belt by winning the Most Popular Driver award at the NASCAR Awards in Nashville. This marks Elliott’s sixth consecutive win, and it was presented by the National Motorsports Press Association. The honor is determined purely by fan votes, making it even more special for Elliott. During his acceptance speech, Elliott expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and fans that helped him secure this award.
Since 1991, the Most Popular Driver award has been exclusively won by drivers from Elliott or Earnhardt’s family. Bill Elliott secured the award from 1991-2000, and Dale Earnhardt was the posthumous winner in 2001. Bill Elliott once again clinched the award in 2002, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s consecutive wins from 2003-17. Since 2018, Chase Elliott has become the undisputed champ by securing the honor each year.
At the NASCAR Awards, Elliott showcased his resilience by making an appearance with his right arm in a sling after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. Despite the setback, Elliott is determined to bounce back and remain on track for the 2024 Cup season. He remains optimistic about his recovery and is focused on being prepared for the upcoming season, indicating that he is feeling positive about his progress.
Chase Elliott, wearing a sling after recent surgery on his right shoulder at the 2023 NASCAR Awards. Photo by Dustin Long
Chase Elliott, wearing a sling after recent surgery on his right shoulder, at the NASCAR Awards. Photo by Dustin Long
Despite facing challenges during the season, with Elliott going winless and enduring injuries, he maintained his popularity among fans. His resilience was evident as his No. 9 car made it to the owner’s playoff, securing a commendable 10th-place finish in the standings. Looking ahead, Elliott remains focused on making significant improvements for the upcoming season, eager to overcome past obstacles and achieve new heights in his racing career.
The Most Popular Driver award wasn’t exclusive to Chase Elliott, as it was a night of celebration for other drivers as well. Hailie Deegan won the Most Popular Driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, while Justin Allgaier secured the prestigious award in the Xfinity Series, showcasing the widespread popularity and impact of drivers across different segments of the sport.
Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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