Chase Elliott Withdraws From Most Popular Driver Ballot
The eight-time winner removes himself from contention to honor the late Kyle Busch.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Motorsports
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Chase Elliott has withdrawn his name from the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver award ballot. The move seeks to honor Kyle Busch, who passed away in May 2026 and is expected to be a posthumous recipient.
Why it matters
The decision ends an eight-year winning streak for Elliott and opens the field for other eligible full-time Cup Series drivers to claim the annual fan-voted honor.
Elliott held the title for 8 consecutive years prior to his withdrawal. The award has previously been presented posthumously, notably to Dale Earnhardt in 2001.
The players
Chase Elliott
He is a professional stock car racing driver who previously held the Most Popular Driver award for eight consecutive years.
Kyle Busch
He was a professional stock car racing driver who died in May 2026.
National Motorsports Press Association
This professional organization is responsible for the annual presentation of the Most Popular Driver award.
Dale Earnhardt
He was a legendary racing driver who received the Most Popular Driver award posthumously in 2001.
Bill Elliott
He is a former racing driver who previously withdrew his name from the award ballot in 2001.
The details
Full-time Cup Series drivers, excluding Elliott, remain eligible for the award presented by the National Motorsports Press Association. Fans can cast their votes through the NASCAR website until the voting period closes.
Timeline
Bill Elliott won the award between 1984 and 1988.
Dale Earnhardt won the award posthumously in 2001.
Kyle Busch died in May 2026.
Voting for the award began on October 23, 2026.
Voting for the award ends on November 9, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This withdrawal significantly alters the landscape of a traditional award race that has been dominated by a single driver for nearly a decade. By stepping aside to honor a late peer, Elliott shifts the competitive focus toward other drivers who now have an opportunity to secure the fan-voted honor.
Eligible Cup Series drivers now compete in an open field for the award for the first time in nine years. Fans are directed to the official NASCAR website to participate in the voting process before the November deadline.
The takeaway
The decision to withdraw reflects a significant gesture of sportsmanship within the racing community. Fans looking to participate in the selection process for this year should ensure their votes are cast through official channels before the upcoming deadline.
What happens next
Voting for the Most Popular Driver award concludes on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the current landscape of the season on the Motorsports page.
Live Poll
Should organizations award honors posthumously instead of recognizing currently active participants?
