Chase Elliott just did it again. For the eighth consecutive year, the Hendrick Motorsports driver walked away with the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award, extending a streak that started in 2018 and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

Eight straight years. That’s not just impressive. It’s historic. And when you look at the list of legends who’ve won this award before him, you start to realize just how remarkable this run really is.

What Makes the NMPA Award So Special?

The NMPA Most Popular Driver Award isn’t given out based on stats or championship points. The fans vote on it. The people who show up to the track in cold or blazing heat, who paint their faces, who buy the die-cast cars and hang the flags in their garages.

They’re the ones who decide who wins this thing. And they’ve made their choice crystal clear: Chase Elliott is their guy. The award has been around since 1953, when Lee Petty dominated the early days of NASCAR.

Over the decades, it’s become one of the most prestigious honors a driver can receive, because it represents something money can’t buy and talent alone can’t earn. It’s about connection. It’s about being the driver fans feel like they know, the one they root for even when things go sideways.

Elliott’s eight-year run puts him in some seriously elite company. His father, Bill Elliott, holds the record with 16 wins between 1984 and 2002. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is right behind him with 15 consecutive victories from 2003 to 2017. And now Chase is carving out his own legacy, one that’s looking more and more like it could rival both of theirs.

Why Fans Keep Voting for Elliott

So what is it about Chase Elliott that keeps fans coming back year after year? For starters, he’s relatable. Elliott doesn’t come across as some untouchable superstar who’s too cool to interact with the people who make this sport what it is.

He’s humble, soft-spoken, and genuinely appreciates the support he gets. When he talks to the media, he’s not giving canned answers. He’s real. Then there’s the driving. Elliott’s not just a fan favorite because he’s likable and he’s legitimately one of the best drivers in the Cup Series.

He won the 2020 championship, proving he can deliver when it matters most. He’s racked up multiple wins at some of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks, including road courses where his skill set really shines. Watching him wheel a race car is a reminder that he’s not just riding on his last name. He’s earned every bit of respect he gets. And let’s not forget the legacy factor.

Being Bill Elliott’s son carries weight in NASCAR. Bill was a fan favorite for nearly two decades, and when Chase stepped into a Cup car, he carried that torch with him. But he didn’t just coast on his father’s reputation. He built his own, and in doing so, he’s proven that the Elliott name still means something in this sport.

The History Behind the Award

Looking back at the list of NMPA winners is like flipping through a NASCAR history book. Lee Petty won it twice in the early ’50s. Fireball Roberts, Curtis Turner, and Rex White all had their moments in the ’50s and ’60s.

Richard Petty won eight awards over three decades, cementing his status as “The King.”Then came the modern era, where Bill Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned the award into a family legacy. Bill’s 16 wins between 1984 and 2002 were unprecedented.

When he finally passed the torch, it went to Dale Jr., who held it for 15 straight years.Now, Chase is writing the next chapter. Eight years and counting. If he keeps this up, he’ll be in the conversation for the record before we know it.

What This Means for NASCAR

Elliott’s continued dominance in the NMPA voting isn’t just a personal achievement. It reflects what NASCAR fans value. They want talented drivers, yes, but they also want drivers who feel accessible. Who show up, do the work, and don’t forget who’s cheering them on every Sunday.

In an era when the sport is constantly evolving with new formats, tracks, and faces, Elliott represents a sense of continuity. He’s a link to NASCAR’s past through his father, but he’s also very much a part of its future. That combination is powerful, and it’s a big reason why he keeps winning this award year after year.

The Next Step

So where does Elliott go from here? Well, if history is any indication, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. He’s only 29 years old, which means he’s got plenty of racing left in him. And as long as he keeps competing at a high level, as long as he keeps being the driver fans can rally behind, there’s no reason to think this streak won’t continue.

Could he catch Dale Jr.’s 15-year run? Could he eventually challenge his father’s record of 16? It’s possible. It’s more than possible, actually. It’s starting to feel inevitable. For now, though, let’s just appreciate what we’re watching.

Eight straight years of being NASCAR’s most popular driver is no small feat. It’s a testament to Elliott’s talent, his character, and the bond he’s built with the people who make this sport what it is.

Final Thoughts

Chase Elliott isn’t just driving race cars. He’s carrying a legacy, honoring his family’s name, and giving NASCAR fans a reason to believe in what this sport can be. And as long as he keeps doing that, the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award is going to have a familiar home.

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