Dale Earnhardt Jr.: NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver, Win or Lose

Three NASCAR drivers have captured the hearts of their fans as most popular driver at least seven times in a row. Last December, at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Bill Elliott and Richard Petty in the small elite group. Bill Elliott won 10 straight awards from 1991-2000 and 16 total. Richard Petty received the title nine times. The award is announced at the NASCAR NMPA (National Motorsports Press Association) luncheon each December based on voting by the fans. Earnhardt Jr. spoke of the award saying, "You look at Richard Petty and Bill Elliott, and I've always felt that if you win this award one time, you are in good company. I'm real proud of it. The fans have hung in there and gave me one heck of a C...

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