Chase Elliott Retains Title of Most Popular Driver in NASCAR for Seventh Consecutive Year, Reflecting a Remarkable Comeback Season with His Journey Back to the Playoffs, and Exclusive Insights Shared During a Candid Conversation with Jonathan Davenport at His Home
Chase Elliott, driver for Hendrick Motorsports, continues to dominate the hearts of NASCAR fans as he secures the prestigious Most Popular Driver award for the seventh year in a row. This honor comes after an impressive comeback in the 2024 season, where Elliott defied the odds following an absence from the playoffs the previous year. Despite dealing with injuries and challenges, he managed to fight his way to the Round of 8 in the Cup Series, proving his resilience and determination. In an exclusive conversation with Jonathan Davenport, a NASCAR legend in his own right, Elliott opened up about his journey, reflecting on both the highs and lows of the season.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned over the years is that nothing is guaranteed,” Elliott remarked during an intimate visit with Davenport at his home, which was captured on camera and shared with fans. “There are times when things don’t go your way, and you have to fight even harder. Missing the playoffs last year was tough, but it motivated me more than I realized.”
For Elliott, the 2024 season was a season of redemption. After enduring a challenging 2023, which saw him fail to make the postseason due to various issues, including an early-season injury, he worked tirelessly to rebuild not just his physical strength but also his mental toughness. Elliott’s journey to the Round of 8 wasn’t without its struggles, but the driver’s resilience, combined with a well-tuned team at Hendrick Motorsports, led to his resurgence.
“Every race felt like a bit of a battle this season, but that’s what makes it all worth it,” Elliott continued in his conversation with Davenport. “When you get knocked down, you’ve got to get back up, and I think we did that this year. I have an amazing group of people around me, and it was truly a team effort.”
One of the key factors in Elliott’s bounce-back season was his ability to focus on what he could control. After missing out on the playoffs in 2023, there was an added sense of urgency, but Elliott and his crew remained composed. They focused on fine-tuning their performance on and off the track. Elliott also expressed gratitude for the support of his fans, acknowledging that their unwavering belief in him was a significant motivator throughout the season.
“I owe a lot of this to the fans,” Elliott said. “Their support is incredible. Every weekend, it feels like they’re behind us, pushing us forward. To have them back me for another year as the Most Popular Driver, it’s humbling.”
As he reflected on his journey, Elliott acknowledged that the competition in NASCAR had only gotten stronger. “The talent in this sport is at an all-time high. Every team is bringing their A-game, and you have to be on top of your game, too. I’m proud of what we accomplished, but we’re always thinking ahead to the next season and what we can do to improve,” he explained.
Jonathan Davenport, who is no stranger to high-pressure situations in his own racing career, shared in the admiration of Elliott’s resilience. “Chase is one of those guys that you can never count out. He may have had a rough patch last year, but you knew he was going to come back strong,” Davenport said during their conversation. “That’s the mark of a true champion. It’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get up.”
Despite missing out on a chance to capture a championship in 2024, Elliott’s performance throughout the season showed the level of commitment and drive that had won him the Most Popular Driver honor for so many years. His ability to remain calm under pressure and bounce back from setbacks spoke volumes about his character and determination.
Looking ahead to the future, Elliott expressed excitement about the next phase of his career. “We’re constantly learning, and every year brings new challenges. But that’s why I love this sport. There’s always something to work on, always a way to improve. The goal is to win, but we’re also enjoying the journey along the way.”
Hendrick Motorsports, which has long been home to some of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, has remained a key player in Elliott’s success. The team’s support system, including crew chief Alan Gustafson, has been instrumental in Elliott’s ability to achieve such consistent results. Together, they form one of the most formidable duos in the sport, and their relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.
Throughout his career, Elliott has become more than just a driver. He’s a symbol of perseverance and resilience, inspiring fans and fellow drivers alike. Whether it’s through his success on the track or his approachable, down-to-earth personality off the track, Elliott has cemented his place as one of NASCAR’s most beloved figures.
As the 2025 season looms large, Elliott remains focused on improving his craft, continuing to build upon the momentum from his strong 2024 season. But for now, he can bask in the glory of his seventh consecutive Most Popular Driver win, a testament to his enduring appeal and dedication to his fans.
“This year was one of the most rewarding seasons I’ve had in a long time,” Elliott concluded during his visit with Davenport. “But there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’re hungry for more.”
With a determined outlook and a renewed sense of purpose, Chase Elliott is poised to continue his reign as one of NASCAR’s premier drivers, both on the track and in the hearts of his fans.
