Chase Elliott has opted out of the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award voting, making a heartfelt gesture in honor of the late Kyle Busch. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who has won the prestigious award eight consecutive times, has removed his name from consideration and is encouraging fans to support Busch instead.
The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) officially opened voting on October 23, 2026. Elliott’s decision has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding this year’s NASCAR Most Popular Driver competition.
Why Chase Elliott Skips NASCAR Fan Vote in 2026
The decision behind why Chase Elliott skips NASCAR fan vote is rooted in his desire to honor Kyle Busch, who died in May 2026 at the age of 41.
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, was widely recognized for his competitive spirit and remarkable success across NASCAR’s national divisions. His career included 234 victories across the three national series, making him one of the most accomplished drivers in the sport’s history.
Following Busch’s death, Elliott expressed his belief that the veteran driver deserved recognition from NASCAR fans. Elliott has now followed through on that sentiment by withdrawing from the Most Popular Driver Award ballot.
Rather than pursuing a ninth consecutive award, Elliott is supporting the idea of giving Busch the honor in recognition of his career and lasting impact on NASCAR.
Chase Elliott’s Eight-Year NASCAR Most Popular Driver Streak
Elliott has been one of NASCAR’s most popular figures for years. He first won the Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award in 2018, following Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement from full-time competition.
Since then, Elliott has claimed the award every year, building an eight-year winning streak from 2018 through 2025.
His popularity reflects his strong fan following, consistent presence in the Cup Series and connection with NASCAR supporters. However, his decision to step aside in 2026 means this year’s voting will take place without one of the award’s most successful recent recipients.
Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, also has a remarkable history with the award. The NASCAR Hall of Famer holds the record with 16 Most Popular Driver victories.
A Similar Gesture by Bill Elliott in 2001
Chase Elliott’s move recalls a similar decision made by his father in 2001.
Following the death of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott withdrew his name from Most Popular Driver consideration, allowing fans to honor Earnhardt posthumously. Earnhardt ultimately received the award that year.
The connection between the two decisions adds historical significance to Chase Elliott’s announcement. Both gestures demonstrate how the award can represent more than a driver’s popularity, becoming a way for fans and fellow competitors to remember influential figures in NASCAR history.
How NASCAR Most Popular Driver Voting Works
The 2026 NMPA Most Popular Driver Award voting opened on Friday, October 23, and will remain available until noon Eastern Time on Monday, November 9.
Fans can cast votes through NASCAR’s official voting website or the NASCAR Mobile App. Each ballot submission allows a fan to select one driver, and voting is limited to five submissions per day per email address. Those five votes do not have to go to the same driver.
Fans can vote in three national series:
- NASCAR Cup Series: The premier level of NASCAR competition.
- NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: The second-tier national series.
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: The national truck racing championship.
Fan Rewards members can also earn 25 points for their first vote through the Fan Rewards dashboard.
The winners will be announced on November 10 at the NASCAR Awards banquet in Miami, following Championship Weekend.
Who Is Eligible to Win the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award?
Although Elliott has removed his name from consideration, the remaining eligible Cup Series drivers are on the ballot, including Kyle Busch.
The campaign to support Busch has attracted attention from other drivers and NASCAR supporters. Several competitors have encouraged fans to vote for him, while Elliott’s longtime sponsor, NAPA, has also shown support for the effort.
Busch’s inclusion gives fans an opportunity to recognize his legacy through a public award. His championships, race victories and memorable personality made him a major figure in the sport, and the voting campaign provides another way for supporters to celebrate his career.
Who Won the NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award Last Year?
Elliott entered the 2026 season as the eight-time reigning Cup Series Most Popular Driver. His streak followed a long period of dominance by Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the award 15 consecutive times from 2003 through 2017.
The last Cup Series driver outside the Earnhardt and Elliott families to win the award was Darrell Waltrip in 1990.
In the other national series, Justin Allgaier has won the O’Reilly Series Most Popular Driver Award three consecutive years and six times in the last seven seasons. Rajah Caruth won the Craftsman Truck Series award in both 2024 and 2025.
This year’s results could bring a significant change to the Cup Series award, particularly if the campaign to honor Busch succeeds.
What Chase Elliott’s Decision Means for NASCAR Fans
Elliott’s withdrawal changes the focus of the 2026 voting campaign. Instead of competing for a ninth consecutive title, he has placed his support behind a driver whose legacy continues to resonate with fans.
The move also highlights the emotional connection between NASCAR drivers and their supporters. While the Most Popular Driver Award is determined by fan voting, it can also become a tribute to a competitor’s achievements and influence on the sport.
With voting open until November 9 and the winner scheduled to be announced the following day, NASCAR fans now have the opportunity to decide how they want to recognize the drivers who have made an impact on the series.
For Elliott, stepping away from the ballot is a statement of respect for Kyle Busch and a reminder that, in NASCAR, legacy can matter as much as another trophy.
Leave a Reply