Copyright Forbes
In one of the least surprising developments of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, for the eighth consecutive year Chase Elliott was once again named the sport’s Most Popular Driver Tuesday night, The award, one of the few in NASCAR determined solely by fan vote, has become something of a family heirloom in Dawsonville, Georgia. Elliott’s two-win 2025 season ended earlier than he’d hoped in the Playoffs, but that didn’t seem to matter to his legion of loyal supporters. When the final tally came in, he’d captured 56% of the votes, a landslide by any measure, and officially moved halfway to matching his father Bill Elliott’s record 16-year streak. At this point, Chase Elliott’s annual Most Popular Driver coronation is as expected as sweet tea in the South. So much so he didn’t even bother showing up in person to accept it, instead delivering his thanks via a relaxed social media video that was equal parts gratitude, humility, and “see you next year.” “Hey, what’s up guys?” Elliott began, looking more like he’d just come in from the shop than from a photo shoot. He thanked fans for taking time to vote, but quickly pivoted to what he said really matters: the people. “It’s so much more than the votes,” he said. “Every year, it blows me away to travel to parts of the country you’d never think people are that passionate about what we’re doing. I just want everyone to understand that I’m forever grateful for that.” To be fair Elliott’s message wasn’t polished PR, it was the sound of a driver who genuinely knows he’s got something special. NASCAR’s fan base can be fickle, but Elliott’s supporters have remained steadfast through the highs, lows, and mechanical failures in between. “I think I have some of the best fans in the world,” he said. “I’m always looking to bring you guys more, Sholto give you something to be proud of every week.” He wrapped up his video by looking ahead to next season, saying he’s fired up to “do more of that” in 2026, but for now, he’s ready to take some time off. “I wish you and your families a happy Thanksgiving,” Elliott said, signing off with the same kind of easy sincerity that’s made him the face of modern NASCAR. Elliott wasn’t the only one taking home Most Popular Driver honors. Justin Allgaier earned the nod in the Xfinity Series, while Rajah Caruth claimed the same in the Craftsman Truck Series. For Allgaier, 39, the award marks his third straight and the latest in a long line of JR Motorsports dominance, drivers from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s organization have now won the Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver title every year since 2012. As for Caruth, 23, his Truck Series recognition capped off a breakout season that saw him score his first national series victory at Nashville Superspeedway and finish sixth in the final standings. The rising star’s combination of speed, poise, and relatability has clearly struck a chord with fans, proof that sometimes the next generation doesn’t just knock on the door, they kick it open. Eight years in, Elliott’s reign as NASCAR’s most popular driver shows no signs of slowing. But with names like Caruth and Allgaier keeping fan passion alive across the series ladder, the sport’s future looks just as bright, and just as loud.
