NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Chase Elliott collected his sixth consecutive Most Popular Driver award Thursday night at the NASCAR Awards at the Music City Center.
The award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association and is determined by a fan vote.
“This award has always, in my eyes, been a reflection and extension of my family’s place in the sport,” Elliott said on stage after winning the award. “I recognize my spot and line and recognize what they’ve done and the reason that it is special is because of the fans and how supportive they have been to my entire family and myself included. ... So grateful for that. I don’t take it lightly ever.”
No driver other than an Elliott or Earnhardt has won the award since 1991.
Bill Elliott won the award from 1991-2000. Dale Earnhardt was selected posthumously in 2001. Bill Elliott won it again in 2002. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was selected by fans from 2003-17. Chase Elliott has claimed the honor since 2018.
Elliott appeared at the NASCAR Awards with his right arm in a sling after surgery on his right shoulder. He said he feels is on pace to be ready for the start of the 2024 Cup season.
“Any time you have surgery and you go through the process, like any little setback or whatever can slow the process down, but thus far everything has gone really well,” he said. “The way I see things today, I don’t think there’s anything that would make me think that next year will be compromised at the beginning of the season, including the Clash (on Feb. 4). My goal is to be rehabbed and feeling good and ready to go for the Clash and ultimately — and more importantly — Daytona when that time rolls around. ... I feel good right now.”
Elliott’s Most Popular Driver honor comes after a season he went winless on the track. He missed seven of the 36 points races this year — six due to a snowboarding accident and one due to a suspension for wrecking Denny Hamlin in the Coca-Cola 600.
While Elliott did not make the driver’s playoff, his No. 9 car made it to the owner’s playoff. He led his car to a 10th-place finish in the owner standings.
Elliott said before the season finale at Phoenix that there is a “lot of room for improvement and we intend to do a lot of that going into next year.”
Hailie Deegan won the Most Popular Driver in the Craftsman Truck Series. Justin Allgaier won the Most Popular Driver award in the Xfinity Series.