Without a doubt, Chase Elliott is regarded as one of the most popular drivers. Considering that he has won many popular driver awards, it lends some truth to that statement. This year, Elliott won that award yet again, which makes it the third straight win for the 24-year-old.
However, the biggest difference is that this is the first time he has won it as a Cup champion. In a recent video, he acknowledged that the Popular Driver award is largely for the fans and their support him and the team. He said, “Thank you, I’m grateful for all the best fans I could ever ask for. Over the course of my entire career and not just the Cup side.”
He was glad that the fans turn up for the races, whenever possible. This is why he wanted to thank them from the bottom of his heart.
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Chase Elliott has a unique record in NASCAR
With this title win and the Popular Driver win, he now shares a record with his father, Bill Elliott. To be precise, both father and son are the only drivers to win the title and popular vote in the same season. Already, the two have the honor of being the third father-son duo to win the title, after Lee and Richard Petty and Ned and Dale Jarrett.
Meanwhile, Justin Allgaier won the Popular Driver vote for the Xfinity Series. It is worth noting that the JR Motorsports driver has won it for a second consecutive year. Additionally, Allgaier is the fourth JRM driver to win the award more than once. The other multi winners are, Elliott himself, Brad Keselowski and Elliott Sadler.
In the Gander & RV Truck Series, Zane Smith won the Most Popular Driver vote. The GMS driver had an incredible rookie season and even reached the Championship 4 and won rookie of the year honors. His two wins and 13 top-10 finishes were enough for him to deserve the titles.