Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsFriday, June 26, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Dale Earnhardt Jr. named NASCAR most popular driver for 13th straight year

Once again Earnhardt racked up the most fan votes to win the award.

by Jordan Bianchi
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Although he thought the retiring Jeff Gordon may edge him out, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver for the 13th consecutive year during the annual Sprint Cup awards ceremony Friday night in Las Vegas.

Seemingly a shoo-in for the Most Popular Driver award on a yearly basis, Earnhardt figured his run may come to an end due to Gordon, who announced prior in January he would retire at the conclusion of the season. But Earnhardt again took the honor, which is determined by a fan vote that began Sept. 6.

“I never take it for granted,” Earnhardt said, accepting the award. “I’m humbled. This award is for Junior Nation.”

Earnhardt won the award for a 13th time overall, moving him to within three of Bill Elliott, who holds the all-time mark with 16. Elliott is the last driver to be named Most Popular Driver before Earnhardt’s streak begin in 2003.

See More:

More in NASCAR

NASCAR
Kyle Busch, NASCAR legend, dies at 41 after sudden illnessKyle Busch, NASCAR legend, dies at 41 after sudden illness
NASCAR

RIP Kyle Busch, 1985-2026.

By Mark Schofield
NBA
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR joy in Victory Lane is the most delightful sight in sportsMichael Jordan’s NASCAR joy in Victory Lane is the most delightful sight in sports
NBA

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR 3-peat is another milestone for the GOAT

By Ricky O'Donnell
NASCAR
LSU star provides a NASCAR crossover with women’s college basketball at DaytonaLSU star provides a NASCAR crossover with women’s college basketball at Daytona
NASCAR

Flau’Jae Johnson will wave the green flag at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.

By Mitchell Northam
NASCAR
This NASCAR mom can make history at Daytona’s Xfinity raceThis NASCAR mom can make history at Daytona’s Xfinity race
NASCAR

Natalie Decker returns to NASCAR at Daytona just six months after giving birth to her son.

By Mitchell Northam
NASCAR
How Dale Earnhardt’s iconic ‘Taz’ Looney Tunes paint scheme returned to the trackHow Dale Earnhardt’s iconic ‘Taz’ Looney Tunes paint scheme returned to the track
NASCAR

In the zMAX CARS Tour, the Taz car made its return to the track 25 years after its NASCAR debut in the Daytona 500.

By Mitchell Northam
NASCAR
After top 20 finish in Chicago, this woman will race in 3 more NASCAR Cup Series events in 2025After top 20 finish in Chicago, this woman will race in 3 more NASCAR Cup Series events in 2025
NASCAR

Legge, who has raced in the Indy 500 four times, will drive the No. 78 Chevrolet in two races at the Brickyard later this month.

By Mitchell Northam

The Latest