Chase Elliott Once Again Wins the Most Popular Award Despite a Disappointing Season

For the fourth year running, the who’s who of NASCAR and its legion of fans have flocked to “Music City” to tip their hats to the stars of the 2023 season and to raise a toast to the sport’s 75th anniversary. Topping the list of eagerly anticipated moments is the crowning of NASCAR’s most popular driver. And wouldn’t you know it? Hendrick Motorsports has clinched the title once more.

Having so many new faces gaining popularity this year, most people were rooting for drivers like, Shane Van Gisbergen, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, and so on. However, while Hendrick Motorsports missed a chance to have Chase Elliott in the playoffs, the latter made sure to not disappoint his boss when it came to winning the Most Popular Player award.

Hendrick Motorsports adds another feather to its cap this year

Chase Elliott, the wheelman from Hendrick Motorsports and the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been basking in the glory of this award for the last five seasons. Following in the tire tracks of his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, who held this title a record 16 times, Chase has outdone himself yet again. Despite not being in the playoff spotlight and somewhat fading from the front pages in the season’s second half, Elliott has raced to the finish line for the sixth year in a row, clinching the title.

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Elliott’s 2023 Cup season really hit a rough patch. Kicked off with a bit of bad luck from a snowboarding tumble early on, he found himself riding the bench for a few weeks. Then, adding to his misery, NASCAR handed him a one-race time-out later in the year for deliberately playing bumper cars with Denny Hamlin in the Coca-Cola 600. After a long time since 2016, Elliott just couldn’t catch a break – missing the playoff cut, not crossing the finish line first in any race, and wrapping up the season sitting at 17th in the standings.

Plus, this year, with Denny Hamlin‘s podcast hitting the airwaves and Ryan Blaney‘s victory lap, many thought the tide might turn away from Chase Elliott in the Most Popular Driver showdown. But, as it turns out, the award tells a different story, loud and clear.

On top of that, there was plenty of cheer as Hailie Deegan snagged the title of the most popular driver in the Truck Series for the third year running, and Justin Allgaier clinched the same honor in the Xfinity Series for the fourth time. But amidst the celebrations, there was a touching moment too. The late former girlfriend of Martin Truex Jr was lovingly remembered with a posthumous award, bringing a heartfelt pause to the evening’s festivities.

Sherry Pollex honored with the NMPA Myers Brothers Award

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In a tender and heartfelt moment, Sherry Pollex was posthumously named the 2023 recipient of the NMPA Myers Brothers Award. Tragically, we lost Sherry in September at the age of 44, after a brave and lengthy battle with cancer. Throughout her life, she was trying to help people who have been suffering from cancer by raising millions to fight pediatric and ovarian cancer, particularly through her annual Catwalk for a Cause charity event.

Since 1958, this prestigious award has been handed out in memory of NASCAR legends Billy and Bobby Myers. It’s a salute to those who’ve made significant contributions to the world of stock car racing, with winners chosen by a vote among NMPA members.

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The ceremony wasn’t just about honoring achievements; it was also a celebration of life. And Sherry Pollex’s life was celebrated for her incredible spirit and unwavering commitment to living fully, leaving an enduring legacy of inspiration and generosity.