Hendrick Motorsports continues to assert its dominance not just on the track, but in the hearts of NASCAR fans, as Chase Elliott secured his eighth Most Popular Driver Award at the 2024 NASCAR Awards. The victory cements Elliott’s position as a fan favorite, with the 28-year-old now halfway to surpassing his father Bill Elliott’s record of 16 wins in the category.
Adding to the team’s star power, Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, has seen his own fanbase rapidly grow, making Hendrick Motorsports home to arguably the two most popular drivers in NASCAR today.
Kyle Larson: “We’ve Got the Two Most Popular Drivers in NASCAR”
While acknowledging Elliott’s overwhelming popularity, Larson highlighted the significance of their combined fan appeal for the team. Larson’s ventures outside NASCAR, such as his Indy 500 debut and multi-discipline racing efforts, have significantly expanded his own following. Despite this, he recognizes Elliott’s legacy fanbase as a formidable force.
“He’s definitely got a large fan base, for sure, in NASCAR. It’s cool to see. I feel like my fan base has grown a lot this year with getting to do everything that I’ve done. We’ll see, but he usually wins by quite a bit. You never know. I think it’s cool to be part of Hendrick Motorsports, having probably the two most popular guys in the sport currently.”
Chase Elliott: “I’ll Never Take My Fans for Granted”
Elliott’s Most Popular Driver Award reflects his enduring appeal, rooted in the loyalty of his father’s fanbase and his own success on the track. Expressing his gratitude, Elliott emphasized his commitment to earning the continued support of his fans by delivering strong performances.
“Certainly, grateful for the fans across the board. They’ve been great to me throughout my career, and I’ve had the fortunate experience of seeing all that and living that firsthand. It means a lot to me. I’ll never take it for granted. I want to try to make those people proud as we move into next year and beyond.”
Larson’s Rising Popularity: A Threat to Elliott’s Reign?
Kyle Larson’s rise in popularity has been fueled by his ability to transcend NASCAR through high-profile racing ventures. His participation in the Indy 500, coupled with his versatility across different forms of motorsport, has resonated with a broader audience. While Larson has yet to surpass Elliott in the popularity stakes, his momentum suggests that the gap may close in the coming years.
A Legacy of Fandom and Competition
Hendrick Motorsports now finds itself in a unique position with two of the sport’s biggest fan magnets under its banner. While Elliott relies on a deeply entrenched legacy fanbase, Larson’s grassroots popularity and cross-discipline achievements represent a new wave of fandom. Together, they bring unparalleled attention and loyalty to NASCAR’s most successful team, setting the stage for an electrifying 2025 season.
As Elliott chases his ninth consecutive award and Larson continues to expand his influence, NASCAR fans are in for a thrilling rivalry—both on and off the track.
