Chase Elliott reacts to winning sixth straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award

Chase Elliott captured his sixth consecutive Most Popular Driver Award for the NASCAR Cup Series on Thursday.

Some believed this was the season Elliott wouldn’t win the honor. He went through a lot, and missed a ton of time behind the wheel. There were plenty of options, from reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, to the retiring Kevin Harvick and the freshly-minted Chevy driver Kyle Busch.

Heck, Busch even thought he had a chance, as he has finished second a couple times over the last half-decade.

“I have been told by NASCAR that I’ve finished second the last three or four years and the gap is getting closer. … Hey I’m all for it man, that would probably be the shock of the night so I’m excited about that,” Busch said, via Daniel Baldwin. “I’m going to dress to impress just for that moment, so I can be ready.” 

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be for Busch, Blaney or Harvick. After being crowned NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver once again, Elliott spoke to the media, letting his fans know he doesn’t take it for granted.

“I think there’s always a chance for anything,” Elliott said, regarding if he thought he’d be unseated as the recipient of the award. “I think Ryan has a great following as well, and obviously him having a great year. Thought that he’d have a shot. Also same for Kevin. Finishing up his career. A great career at that. Obviously I know our fans pretty well. They’re pretty loyal folks. I know that they’re aware of the career of someone like him too.

“I don’t ever take it for granted. I think it’s an easy thing to look at and to think that I would. I’m always grateful for the honor, and always grateful to have the support that we’ve had. Like I said, this has always been to me, an extension of my family’s place in the sport. The success that they had over the years. The fans have been good to all of us. Not just Bill, but my entire family. So that’s just kind of how I look at it. Certainly respect it, and appreciate all that they do for me, and looking forward to seeing the folks back on the road next year.”

Chase Elliott’s fans stuck by him through adversity in 2023. Next season, the Hendrick star will be looking to deliver his supporters something to cheer about during the Cup Series campaign.