via Getty
HAMPTON, GA – FEBRUARY 22: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, prepares to drive during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
via Getty
HAMPTON, GA – FEBRUARY 22: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, prepares to drive during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Every year after the NASCAR Cup season ends, the sport decides the most popular NASCAR driver in all three categories. This year is no different, but many eyebrows were raised at the sponsor of the event. To be precise, the restaurant chain Hooters was the primary sponsor presenting the Most Popular Driver Award. Among the major contenders for this crown are Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, and newly-crowned champion Joey Logano.
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A lot of people noticed that Hooters is Chase Elliott’s sponsor, but that’s another story. Meanwhile, a fair number of people were hoping that Chastain could snatch the award from the Hendrick Motorsports star. Elliott has been the recipient since 2018 and has been consistently winning the Most Popular Driver Award ever since.
How did NASCAR fans express their support for Ross Chastain?
Many fans declared that it was time for the Elliott domination to make way for Chastain. Some even called for the ‘Melon Man Gang’ to rally forth and vote for the Trackhouse Racing star. This is largely a reference to the fact that Chastain had a background as a watermelon farmer. In fact, he even had a tradition of smashing a watermelon on the track after winning a race.
Time for Chase's vanilla self to step aside. pic.twitter.com/XBxmvvwY6Q
— Alex Kerner (@psychedalex68) November 8, 2022
MELON MAN GANG! 🤙🏽 pic.twitter.com/0vv7V2x2ML
— ａｓｈｌｅｅ (@ashbrookehardin) November 8, 2022
It's gonna be a tense one pic.twitter.com/uJ2ggOwOyK
— BALLOON INVASION ON THE 20TH (@DonderLeNasHawk) November 8, 2022
— Michael Vlassis (@MPVlassis) November 8, 2022
Of course, many acknowledged that the battle to be the Most Popular NASCAR Cup driver would be very close. Every NASCAR fan has their favorite driver, so every fanbase will be hoping to see their man win. Many said that the only right choice was the #1 Trackhouse Racing driver. Others were proudly displaying screenshots, showing that they voted for Chastain. One thing is for sure, many fans fell in love with the Melon Man.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 16, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) before the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The only correct answer 🍉 pic.twitter.com/7dZr9fR7sF
— Rapid Water (@Cord_Monkfruit) November 8, 2022
Done pic.twitter.com/mJ8XKvxjj5
— 🏁RowdyBuschFan🏁 (@RowdyBuschFan_) November 8, 2022
Me too pic.twitter.com/ZoB374IXGV
— Christopher Fisher (@kulwickifan) November 8, 2022
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I think the National Watermelon Farmers Association should sponsor this year's Most Popular Driver vote.
— Raymond I (@Patriots41557) November 11, 2022
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Speaking of watermelons though, some joked that the National Watermelon Farmers Association should be a sponsor. That way, it could possibly boost Ross Chastain’s chances of winning the vote. Having said that, it is all down to the NASCAR fanbases’ votes for their favorite driver.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Times Ty Gibbs Gave Ross Chastain A Run For His Money As He Made Enemies
