“I have the best fans in the world”: Chase Elliott shares a special message after 8th straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 

Chase Elliott secured his eighth consecutive NMPA Most Popular Driver award. The Hendrick Motorsports star is now one short of tying NASCAR icon Richard Petty after bagging the prestigious title in the recently held Awards banquet.

Elliott was joined by Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Ryan Blaney in the top five before NASCAR announced the winner. The No. 9 driver received 56% of the total votes cast by fans from all over the world.

In a post on X, Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, thanked his fans and shared a heartwarming message for them. He said:

"Thank you for the votes. Thank you for taking the time out of your day and supporting us in that way and supporting me in that way. I tell a lot of people this that I talk to about it, it’s really about the people and the support that I get to see firsthand and I know not everybody has that vantage point or that perspective, but it truly is incredible and every year, it blows me away to travel to parts of the country that you would never think people are that passionate about what we’re doing."

Furthermore, he said:

"I want to make sure everyone understands that I'm forever grateful for that. Whether we win the award or don't win the award, I think I have some of the best fans in the world and I really appreciate you guys supporting me and pushing us and wanting the best for our team and being there on the good days and the bad."

Chase Elliott has reflected on the highs and lows of the 2025 season and affirmed a strong next season with the Rick Hendrick-owned organization.

He is also the fifth driver ever to receive the Cup Series Most Popular Driver award more than five times. His father, Bill Elliott, currently holds the most awards (16), followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. (15), Richard Petty (8), and Bobby Allison (6).

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"It stings, but I'm proud": Chase Elliott reflects on missing out on the Championship 4 berth after Martinsville

Chase Elliott and Rick Hendrick - NASCAR: Cup Series-Qualifying - Source: Imagn

Chase Elliott, 29, secured his 2025 playoff spot with a win at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He later clinched his Round of 8 berth with a thrilling second win of the season at Kansas. However, the Hendrick Motorsports driver was unable to capitalize on either a win or enough points in the penultimate race at Martinsville, missing his chance to secure a spot in the Championship 4.

Reflecting on the same, the Chevy driver in a post on X wrote:

"Left it all out on the track yesterday and came up just short. It stings, but I'm damn proud of our 9 group for bringing it all season long! That's all you can ask for. We'll shoot for one more at Phoenix. I appreciate y'all's support this year 👊🏼 #di9"

While Elliott failed to advance, his Hendrick Motorsports teammates, Kyle Larson and William Byron, battled for the NASCAR Cup Series trophy at Phoenix. The effort ended in a victory for Larson, who secured his second career title and delivered the organization its 15th Cup Series championship.

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Edited by Sashwat Deo