Chase Elliott Advocates for Kyle Busch's Posthumous NASCAR Popularity Award

LEBANON – Chase Elliott has taken a notable step to commemorate a fellow NASCAR driver following his recent passing. On May 30, Elliott announced his decision to remove himself from the running for the 2026 Most Popular Driver award, with the hope that this will pave the way for Kyle Busch to receive the honor. Busch tragically passed away on May 21.

Elliott expressed his thoughts during a media session at the Nashville Superspeedway, stating, “I just think it’s one of those things that I think Kyle is a guy that really deserves something of an award like that. I think he’s a guy that has had a lot of fans over the course of his career.” By stepping back from the ballot, Elliott clarified that he does not believe he would have won the award had he remained in contention; rather, he simply wishes to show his support for Busch.

Chase Elliott has previously held the distinction of Most Popular Driver from 2018 to 2025. His father, Bill Elliott, similarly withdrew from the award race in 2001 following the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was subsequently honored with the title that year. Bill Elliott himself was recognized as the Most Popular Driver from 1991 to 2000 and again in 2002.

Reflecting on the competitive nature of the award, Elliott acknowledged the mixed reactions that come with it: “I’m aware of the boos, and that was fun. I think he deserves to win the award, truthfully. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I wanted to throw my support to that.”

This gesture highlights the camaraderie and respect that exists among drivers in the NASCAR community, especially during times of loss.