Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, made headlines once again by securing the prestigious Most Popular Driver award for the seventh consecutive year. However, in a candid moment following the announcement, the 28-year-old driver expressed mixed emotions about his win, humbly questioning whether he truly earned the honor.
“I don’t know if I deserved the NASCAR Most Popular Driver of the Year award,” Elliott said during a heartfelt address to his fans and peers. “But I have been given this award, and I’ll continue to work on myself and my driving to live up to this incredible recognition.”
The Hendrick Motorsports driver has dominated fan voting since 2018, following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Elliott, who won the award a record 16 times. Chase’s humility, combined with his on-track prowess, has earned him a loyal fan base that spans generations.
Despite his immense popularity, Elliott admitted he often reflects on whether his performance and efforts are enough to justify the unwavering support he receives from fans.
“When I think about this award, I see it as more than just a trophy. It represents the connection between drivers and fans—the passion, the dedication, and the belief they have in us. That’s something I never take lightly,” Elliott shared.
A Season of Challenges
Elliott’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. While he managed a few standout performances, including a victory at Texas Motor Speedway, he also faced fierce competition from his rivals, making the season a challenging one.
“I’ve had moments this year where I felt like I wasn’t at my best, whether it was my decision-making on the track or handling tough situations off it,” Elliott confessed. “This award motivates me to keep improving—not just as a driver, but as a person representing this sport.”
Elliott was quick to acknowledge the unwavering support of his fans, who cast over 266,000 votes to secure his spot as the sport’s favorite driver.
“To the fans who continue to show up for me and believe in me, I can’t thank you enough,” he said. “Your dedication, whether it’s wearing my merchandise, traveling to races, or simply cheering me on from home, means the world to me. I want to make sure I earn that support every single day.”
With the 2025 NASCAR season on the horizon, Elliott is determined to build on the lessons of the past year. He’s already set his sights on improving his consistency and competing for more wins.
“This award is a reminder that I have a responsibility to be better—not just for myself, but for the fans and the team who have my back,” he said. “I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I promise to give it everything I’ve got.”
Chase Elliott’s response to winning NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver award underscores the qualities that have endeared him to fans worldwide: humility, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to grow as a driver and person, there’s little doubt that Elliott’s popularity—and his impact on the sport—will endure for years to come.
For now, Elliott’s words serve as both a reflection of his journey and a promise to his supporters: “I’ll keep working hard and striving to be the driver and person you believe in.”
