Get ready to rev up your enthusiasm, because the race to crown the 2025 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver is officially on! But here's where it gets controversial: who truly deserves the title of fan favorite? Voting kicked off today, Monday, October 6, 2025, and will run until Monday, November 3, 2025, at noon ET. The winner will be revealed on Tuesday, November 4, during the star-studded NASCAR Awards Ceremonies in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Here’s how you can make your voice heard: fans can cast one vote per ballot, with a daily limit of five submissions per email. And this is the part most people miss—those five votes don’t have to go to the same driver! Head over to NASCAR.com/mostpopulardriver or fire up the NASCAR Mobile App to participate.
To qualify for this prestigious award, a driver must have declared for NASCAR Cup Series points and been eligible for championship contention during the 2025 season. It’s a title steeped in history, dating back to 1949 when Curtis Turner became the first recipient after NASCAR’s inaugural Strictly Stock season (now known as the Cup Series). Since 1983, the NMPA has proudly administered this award, making it the only major NASCAR honor decided entirely by fan votes.
Now, let’s talk records. Bold claim alert: could anyone ever surpass Bill Elliott’s staggering 16 Most Popular Driver wins? The NMPA Hall of Famer and 1988 Cup Series champion dominated the award from 1984 to 1988, 1991 to 2000, and again in 2002. Dale Earnhardt Jr., another NMPA Hall of Fame inductee (2020), isn’t far behind with 15 consecutive wins from 2003 to 2017. And let’s not forget Chase Elliott, who’s been on a six-year winning streak.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: does the award truly reflect the most popular driver, or does it favor those with the most dedicated fan bases? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
The NMPA, formed in 1965, is more than just this award. Comprised of seasoned media professionals covering auto racing across print, radio, TV, and digital platforms, the organization also honors achievements like the Richard Petty Driver of the Year Award, the Myers Brothers Award, the NMPA Pocono Spirit Award, and the Wood Brothers Award of Excellence.
For more on the NMPA and its mission, visit www.nmpaonline.com. And remember, every vote counts—so who’s getting yours?
