Ryan Blaney Could Overtake Chase Elliott as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver as Insider Concludes the Star Power Conversation

The 2023 season came to a thrilling close with Ryan Blaney’s championship win and a gleaming trophy in his grasp. The Phoenix Oval was the stage for the championship showdown, drawing all eyes to the Arizona desert. Moreover, a nine-year tradition was broken as the season champion failed to enter Phoenix’s victory lane.

The man who had qualified last, blazed through the field, igniting a fiery battle in the dwindling race. He captured hearts and attention, overshadowing even the championship favorite, HMS star Kyle Larson. With the championship title secured, Ryan Blaney, with the post-race fanfare, seems to be well in contention for another title this year.

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In 2018, Chase Elliott brought an end to Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s remarkable 15-year streak by winning the Cup Series Most Popular Driver award. The five consecutive years of winning the award have earned him the title of NASCAR’s golden boy. However, as the 2023 season unfolded, this streak might be facing a serious threat.

This year, Chase Elliott experienced disappointment after disappointment, a stark contrast to his past years in the HMS garage. He found himself enduring a challenging season, and for the first time in his eight-year career in the top tier, he failed to qualify for the playoffs, marking a significant setback for the young star.

As the post-season came and went, and Elliott was left to grapple with a year-long winless drought, a far cry from his previous achievements. Looking ahead to 2024, the #9 team will be seeking a reversal of their fortunes, aiming to regain their competitive edge.

However, the prospect of Elliott’s coveted Most Popular Driver title being taken by another driver is on the horizon. Roger Penske, celebrating his champion, Ryan Blaney, expressed his belief in Blaney’s star power to ascend beyond the sport. He stated, “I think his limits are the sky, to be honest with you. He gets in that class with [Rick] Mears. He’s a soft-spoken guy, really, but when he gets behind the wheel, like Joey, when he puts his hat on, don’t get in his way. I think he showed that today.”

Emphasized Blaney‘s growth as a driver and his winning mentality, Penske added, “He’s only getting better and better. He’s got the confidence. He’s a leader. He’s a winner and a champion. Once you have that — it’s so hard to get there. I don’t think any of us realize him personally the last 20 or 30 laps when he had to pass a couple guys to get the championship, that shows his true mettle. He’s got a long way to go, a long way.”

Ryan Blaney not only secured his maiden championship but also gifted his boss his first back-to-back championships. In 2022, #22 driver Joey Logano claimed his second championship title. However, as 2023 rolled around, Logano, the defending champion, faltered in his attempt to defend the title, as he was eliminated in the Round of 16. Blaney emerged as the sole hope for Team Penske and Ford, taking the torch from Logano and leading the team to yet another championship victory.

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Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Roger Penske remarked, “Well, we’ve had a lot of championships, but the level that we’re racing in NASCAR today, I’ve never seen it before. My great friend Rick Hendrick, I think he has 15 to 16. We’re excited to have four. Long way to go. Back-to-back shows the strength of our organization.

“We really weren’t that strong in the middle part of the season. As Jonathan [crew chief] and the engineering team, along with Ford, helped us get better and better, you could see how well the Fords ran even here today. I think it was a combination of many things.”

Penske also expressed his personal satisfaction, stating, “For me, personally, that is what we’re here for. We love the competition, we love the stress, but also we like a day to sit down here like this and say we’re champions.” 

With the 2023 season now in the rearview mirror, the race for the Most Popular Driver award is wide open. Who is your pick?

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