NASCAR Fans Dismiss Denny Hamlin’s Chances of Dethroning Chase Elliott as Most Popular Driver

Updated: April 17, 2025 | 10:11 PM EDT

In NASCAR, driver popularity is a significant aspect of the sport, with the Most Popular Driver (MPD) award being presented annually since 1956. Initially, drivers themselves chose the recipient, but the power to vote was later given to the fans.

Chase Elliott has dominated the MPD award for the past seven years, tying him with Bobby Allison. To equal Richard Petty, Elliott needs two more wins, but he still has a long way to go to catch the ultimate record. Bill Elliott, Chase’s father, holds the most MPD awards with 16, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15.

Kevin Harvick stirred the pot after Kyle Larson’s victory at Bristol by stating on his “Happy Hour” podcast, “Right now, Kyle Larson is the most popular driver in the Cup Series.” This was attributed to Larson’s performance and his post-race comments.

Larson called out his rival, Denny Hamlin, saying, “We hate to see him win as I’m sure you guys do too.” This highlighted the rivalry between the two drivers. Following Harvick’s lead, one NASCAR fan suggested Denny Hamlin as a potential MPD.

The fan wrote, “Denny for Most Popular Driver? His fans love him, his haters love to talk about him. The podcast is pretty good. Who else would be in contention?” Hamlin’s polarizing nature, being seen as both a villain and a competitive driver with a successful podcast, makes him an interesting candidate.

However, many fans reject the idea of Hamlin as the MPD, as evidenced by comments on the aforementioned thread.

Fans Reject Hamlin as a Potential MPD

One fan commented, “That’s never going to happen in a million years. Hell, even Kyle Busch has a way better chance of winning MPD than Denny Hamlin ever will.” Kyle Busch, now with RCR and seemingly more controlled, might have a better chance despite previously being heavily booed. Hamlin has taken over that role, making his MPD chances slim.

Other fans emphasized Hamlin’s unsuitability:

• “Unless he comes out and says that he found out he is cousins with the Elliotts, I don’t think he would get close to MPD.”

• “William Clyde Elliott II will have that award locked down, and even if he didn’t, there’s about 30 drivers that would win it over Dennis The Menace.”

Hamlin’s outspoken nature, amplified by his podcast, was also criticized. One fan argued, “Why would anybody vote this dude most popular anything. He spends more time sh——- on nascar and all of its fans than he does driving the damn car on any given week.” Hamlin’s controversies make it difficult for fans to see him as the MPD.

Some fans believe that celebrating Hamlin as “nice and friendly” goes against his established blunt, unpolished, and controversial image. His “I beat your favorite driver!” tagline and “11 against the world” banner are unique to him, and his fans don’t want him to sacrifice his villain persona for a popularity contest.

One fan humorously envisions Hamlin’s reaction:

“I beat your favorite driver!” “Wait. What do you mean I’m their favorite driver?” Fades away.”

If not Chase Elliott, who do you think should be NASCAR’s most popular driver? Share your thoughts in the comments.