Dale Earnhardt Jr Voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver…Again

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. extended his run as NASCAR’s most popular driver with his 12th consecutive win.

Earnhardt was presented with the NASCAR Sprint NMPA Most Popular Driver Award at Friday night’s season-ending awards ceremony. Earnhardt last year broke a tie with 16-time winner Bill Elliott for most consecutive years as winner.

Only 17 drivers have won the most popular driver award since its inception in 1956. Elliott removed his name from consideration following his 16th victory in 2002.

Earnhardt’s streak began the next season.

His tremendous fan base this year was able to celebrate a banner season in which he opened the year with a victory in the Daytona 500. Earnhardt won four races and finished eighth in the final point standings.

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