As the engines cool down from the 2023 NASCAR season, all eyes are on the coveted Most Popular Driver Award. Will Chase Elliott continue his winning streak or will a new champion emerge?
Chase Elliott, the reigning favorite, is in the running for the award yet again. Despite a challenging season and a six-race absence due to injury, Elliott's popularity remains unscathed. But the competition is fierce, and the outcome is anyone's guess.
The Legacy of the Elliott Family
The Elliott family has a rich history with the award. Chase's father, Bill Elliott, holds the record with sixteen wins. Chase, following in his father's footsteps, has been the recipient since 2018. As Chase once said, 'Dad had a great connection with the fans... I look at him as an extension of his career and my uncle’s and my grandfather’s...
A New Challenger Emerges
However, this year might bring a change. Ryan Blaney, with his electrifying season, has emerged as a strong contender. As NBC Sports analyst Rick Allen fears, 'He’s been the most popular driver forever until, I think, Ryan Blaney won it this year.' Will this be the year of change? We'll find out on the 30th of November.