Chase Elliott thanks NASCAR fans for another Most Popular Driver Award

To the surprise and shock of nobody, Chase Elliott went on to win his 8th straight Most Popular Driver Award for the Cup Series. Elliott’s father, Bill, won the award 16 times in his career, a record.

This week, Chase Elliott spoke to the media about the Most Popular honor. It is one that he does not take lightly. While it is a superlative, a non-competition-related award, that doesn’t make it any less special.

“Just really grateful for the people that have supported me throughout my career. I feel like I have some of the best fans that you can have, and the most passionate too,” Elliott said, via NASCAR.com. He continued, “I think all those things carry a lot of weight in their own way. I was just trying to show my appreciation and my gratitude towards the people that obviously took the time to vote and take time out of their day to do that.”

Chase Elliott had a good season this year. His consistency and calm demeanor carried him to the Round of 8. It all culminated in a win in front of his hometown fans at Atlanta. Being able to win that race in the manner he did was amazing.

There are these great moments in NASCAR that have seemingly been overlooked due to the Playoffs or the championship format, what have you. But that Atlanta win was special. It was one of the few times we have seen Elliott truly emotional and open. One of those moments you could tell had a massive impact on the driver and the fans in the stands.

Chase Elliott remains Most Popular Driver

For one reason or another, Chase Elliott remains the Most Popular Driver in NASCAR. The Elliott family has such dedicated, generational fans, and they continue to reward the Elliotts in many ways. You see it online, at the track, and everywhere else NASCAR fans gather.

While Elliott didn’t get to the Championship 4 this year, he had a season worth celebrating. He has had a tough couple of seasons in the last few years. I think that he is starting to return to his former self, and the No. 9 team has finally started to find its groove. Just in time for a new Chevy body to shake things up.

Chase Elliott is likely going to win the Most Popular Driver Award until he retires. That’s just how it is. But who better to represent the sport than someone who is so closely tied to its history?