Chase Elliott Withdraws From NASCAR Award Ballot

Chase Elliott has withdrawn from the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver ballot, ending his bid for a ninth straight award and backing a posthumous win for Kyle Busch. The vote is underway, and the winner has not been determined. The National Motorsports Press Association confirmed Elliott’s removal from the ballot. He won the award eight consecutive times, from 2018 through 2025. The fan-voted honor recognizes a driver’s popularity, and Busch remains eligible to receive it after his death. Elliott said in May that he believed Busch deserved the recognition. He said he wanted to support Busch without getting in the way of a possible win. The comments came months before the withdrawal was confirmed. Voting opened October 23 and is scheduled to close November 9. NASCAR is scheduled to announce the winner November 10. No final vote tally has been reported, so it remains uncertain whether Busch will win. Elliott’s decision creates an opportunity for a different driver to take the award after his eight-year run. Busch had never won it during his career, despite a large following among fans. His candidacy reflects support for recognition beyond on-track results, though the outcome rests...