CONCORD, N.C. – Once again, Chase Elliott earned the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award. The newly crowned Cup Series champion was announced as the award winner during Wednesday night’s 2020 NASCAR Awards Show.
It’s Elliott’s third Most Popular Driver award in a row. He took the baton three seasons ago from former teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the award for 15 straight years.
The honor comes directly from the fans, who were able to vote for their favorite driver once per day with balloting open for the last few months of the season.
"Thanks to the fans throughout this year," Elliott during the awards show. "I know it hasn't been the most normal thing ever, but you guys are awesome and I hope you enjoyed what the season had to offer."
The last time a Cup Series champion was also named NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver was in 1988 when Elliott’s father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, earned both titles. The older Elliott currently holds the record with 16 Most Popular Driver awards.
Elliott ended the 2020 season on a hot streak, winning three of the last five races. He rallied from a come-from-behind win at Martinsville Speedway to secure a berth in the Championship 4. One week later at Phoenix Raceway the 24-year-old driver started from the rear, only to maneuver his way through the field and take the checkered flag.
Overall, Elliott finished the 2020 season with five wins, 15-top five finishes, 22-top 10s and 1,247 laps led.
"I'm grateful for the best fans I could ever ask for," Elliott said. "You guys show out every week when you can at the track, on the internet and all of the above, so just thank you, thank you, thank you."