Chase Elliott is still reeling in the joy of his championship win, but what might also come his way is the “Most Popular Driver” title for the 2020 season. Although it is yet to be made official, his performances over the course of the year warrant him the tag.
It has earned him a host of appreciation from the NASCAR community. But who better to hear it from than the 15-time tag winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr?
Speaking with Elliott, Earnhardt Jr stated, “You did something that I was never able to do and that’s to be the most popular driver and win the championship.
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“The last time that that’s happened was in 1988 when your dad won the championship as the most popular driver.”
Chase Elliott is one of the “good guys”, says Earnhardt Jr
Indeed, Chase’s father Bill Elliott was a racing icon who sealed both the championship and the award back in 1988. Many have even observed those same shades in ‘Elliot Jr’ in terms of his on-track behavior and overall demeanor.
“And taking nothing away from the other three guys that were trying to win that championship, this was an incredible outcome for our sport. Everybody really likes you, you’re one of the good guys.”
“It will be a really popular championship for a long time.
So have fun with it, everybody wants you to enjoy it, take all the time you want, and have a great off-season.” concluded the former Hendrick Motorsports driver.
Elliott responded and thanked Earnhardt Jr for his kind words
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Having listened to him, Elliott, with his ever so cheerful nature, was grateful for those words. Elliott himself has experience winning the Most Popular Driver award, attaining the accolade in 2018 and 2019.
Elliot said, “I really appreciate it and that means a lot. Those are nice words and I appreciate that, it is an honor, and it’s something that I’m certainly not gonna take for granted. It’s a dream you know, what else could you ask for?”
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The 24-year-old from Dawsonville won his first championship in the 2020 season ahead of contenders like Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski. Fans of Elliott will only hope that his humility and winning desire continue to make him the champion that he already is.
WATCH – Georgia-Native Chase Elliott Receives Rousing Welcome in His Hometown After Winning NASCAR Title