Earnhardt honored with Most Popular Driver Award for eighth straight year

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 2, 2010) – And the streak goes on. Dale Earnhardt Jr. today collected his eighth consecutive NASCAR® NMPA Most Popular Driver Award after receiving the most online fan votes among all eligible drivers throughout the 2010 racing season. He joins Bill Elliott as the only drivers to win the award at least eight years straight. The trophy was presented to Earnhardt at the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers ceremony Thursday in Las Vegas. For the first time in award history, a fan also was involved with the presentation ceremony. Rachel Didat, winner of the “Most Passionate Fan” Contest, was on stage to help present the award. Fans cast more than 1.5 million total votes throughout the 2010 campaign, voting up to once per day for their favorite driver at www.helpersmostpopulardriver.com. Earnhardt beat out nine other finalists (in alphabetical order): Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart. “It was pretty cool to hear that I was eight in a row just like Bill (Elliott),” said Earnhardt, driver of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet. “I’ve enjoyed winning it – my fan base has stayed strong. It’s become an important honor each year for me. I’m glad that fans still feel their support for me. I appreciate their dedication and loyalty.” “The legend of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s fan support grows each year he wins this award,” said Dustin Long, President of the National Motorsports Press Association. “The NMPA is appreciative of the fans who vote and continue to make this award a part of the sport's fabric.” Elliott holds the record for consecutive Most Popular Driver wins with 10, and he also holds the record for total wins with 16. He removed himself from voting after earning the honor the 16th time. Didat, a racing fan from New Albany, Ind., won the trip to Las Vegas after collecting the most online votes for her video submission in the “Most Passionate Fan” Contest. Her video earned more votes than four other finalists, which can be viewed by visiting www.helpersmostpopulardriver.com/MostPassionateFanVideoContest.aspx.