The battle for NASCAR’s most popular driver of 2023 has begun. The National Motorsports Press Association awarded honor is highly regarded by the NASCAR community. For the last five years, Chase Elliott has been the driver to beat for this prize, and as the voting began on Tuesday, teams prepared to send in their bids. Richard Childress Racing is one of the teams that has received a major boost in popularity.

RCR’s acquisition of Kyle Busch has given the team a chance at the prize. Busch is a popular figure among the masses and has continued to gather fans year after year. Busch has had a rough year and could not maintain the regular season momentum as he was ousted in the Round of 12. However, that hasn’t stopped team owner Richard Childress from hoping for a positive outcome in the popularity contests.

Kyle Busch emerges as a candidate for the Most Popular Driver award for Richard Childress

Kyle Busch presents a strong case for himself in the annual award race. With 3 wins and 17 top-10s to back his claim, Rowdy also has one of NASCAR’s most loyal and supportive fanbase to create the numbers necessary for the win. However, in front of him lies the challenge of beating Chase Elliott. But, Elliott hasn’t had a good year either, as he failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.

The 27-year-old couldn’t garner enough momentum in his campaign owing to an injury and suspensions among the already rain-affected races. But when it comes to attracting crowds, only a few are better than Elliott. Chase’s father, Bill Elliott, is the winningest driver in the prize’s history, with 16 honors to his name. Dale Earnhardt Jr reigned supreme from 2003 to 2017, winning the award 15 times on the trot.

Chase has been the winner for the past five years and, despite a disappointing season, is in the pole position to make it six in a row. Apart from Busch and Elliott, some other notable names also come to mind when considering the award. Ross Chastain has been in the public spotlight for a good amount of time this season and was immensely popular in the initial stages.

The #1 driver’s cutthroat style of racing and aggression has gone down well with the fandom. His recent win at the Cup Series finale in Phoenix could also be a major factor in his campaign for the award.

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Kevin Harvick could pop a surprise

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Since announcing his scheduled retirement, fans have showered their love and praise towards Kevin Harvick. The 2014 Cup Series champion has hogged the limelight in the later phases of the season as his final race inched closer with every passing second. Following the conclusion of the postseason in Phoenix, a large faction of fans have rooted for Harvick to win the Most Popular Driver award.

Harvick was the sole ray of hope for Stewart-Haas Racing this season. As SHR’s struggles continued for a second year, Kevin Harvick displayed incredible consistency and panache to defend his spot in the playoffs. While the playoffs weren’t particularly kind, with him being out of contention in the first elimination round, the results didn’t dip for him. Even in the veteran’s final race at Phoenix, he finished in P7. After all, ‘The Closer’ wouldn’t let his fans down at his best-performing race track.

Harvick winning the award would be a great tribute to a legendary career in the Cup Series. It is only fitting for him to depart on a high note for all he has given to the sport.

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