The last time a NASCAR driver whose surname wasn’t Earnhardt or Elliott claimed the Most Popular Driver title was 36 years ago. This season, Chase Elliott stepped aside to let Kyle Busch secure the honor posthumously.
Chase Elliott has occupied the position for seven consecutive seasons, claiming the award annually since Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped away from NASCAR Cup Series competition. Earnhardt had previously captured it each year following Bill Elliott’s retirement in 2002.
Back in 2001, after Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s tragic passing, Bill Elliott withdrew from the running as a gesture of respect. His son replicated that decision this year, removing his candidacy so that Kyle Busch could claim victory.
The NASCAR family suffered a devastating loss when Busch passed away in the spring due to sepsis. Known for stirring controversy and frequently drawing ire from competitors’ supporters, he never ranked among the most beloved drivers.
Chase Elliott said, “When Dale passed in the early 2000s, dad removed his name.” He added, “Ultimately, I was a young child, but looking back on that, I just always thought that was a really cool and admirable nod to, frankly, one of his biggest rivals.”
To the younger Elliott, Busch served more as a mentor than a competitor. As a child visiting the track, Elliott watched him dominate weekly and became an admirer.
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Elliott said, “Yeah, I was a fan.” He explained, “Really anybody my age and probably a little younger that were coming along at that point in time and got to see his dominance.”
Elliott admired Busch’s craft and how good he was behind the wheel, and the things that he changed the game with from a race car driver’s perspective.
Other drivers, like Kyle Larson and Carson Hocevar, were advised not to remove their names from contention, with the reasoning that Kyle wouldn’t want to win by default.
Despite appearing on the ballot, they’re urging supporters to refrain from casting votes for them. Larson and Hocevar have already voted for Busch this year, and it’s logical to expect other drivers will do the same.
Larson didn’t request removal from the ballot since he understood NASCAR preferred limiting withdrawals. Larson stated, “So yeah, hopefully everybody votes for him.”
