Every year, NASCAR names their most popular driver based on a fan vote. Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott has won the honor for seven consecutive years, following in his father’s footsteps who won the award a record sixteen times.
However, it appears a new driver may be breaking Elliott’s streak, and it’s one of his fellow HMS teammates.
On his weekly Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick dissected last weekend’s race at Bristol, praising Kyle Larson for "putting on a clinic." He even went as far to say that the No. 5 car driver has become the sport’s most popular.
“Kyle Larson is the most popular driver in the Cup Series right now,” Harvick said.
Happy Hour co-host Mamba Smith was surprised by the statement, questioning Harvick, who doubled down on his assertion.
“[Larson] sells the most souvenirs, races the most races, he wins. He’s on it,” the Fox Sports analyst stated.
Earlier in the podcast, Harvick applauded the 2021 Cup Series champion for leaning into his personality this year and giving the fans what they want.
“Kyle Larson is paying attention,” Harvick said. “He knows how to put on a show, he knows how to play to the crowd. He’s not underrated as a driver, but he’s underrated in a lot of categories off the race track. Now, you’re starting to see this personality from Kyle Larson to play into the things that are said around him.”
Larson has been a close contender for the NASCAR fan-voted award in recent years alongside Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney. Will 2025 finally be the year Chase Elliott is dethroned?
