Chase Elliott announced that he will not put his name forward for the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver award, choosing instead to let his fellow competitor Kyle Busch claim the honor.
A Quiet Gesture in a Turbulent Year
Busch’s sudden death on May 21 shocked the racing world, leaving a void that many felt could only be filled by a tribute that recognized his impact on the sport.
Elliott, who has dominated the popularity poll for eight consecutive years, said he was moved by the outpouring of support for Busch and believed the award should rightfully belong to him.
The decision comes after Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, made a similar sacrifice in 2001, stepping aside after the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr., a move that set a precedent for honoring fallen peers.
Honoring the Fallen
The gesture underscores a deep‑rooted culture within NASCAR of recognizing both on‑track excellence and off‑track character, a tradition that continues to shape how the sport commemorates its legends.
Fans expressed a mixture of admiration and surprise at Elliott’s humility, with many taking to social media to voice their support for the unprecedented act of sportsmanship.