The NASCAR world is still reeling from the sudden loss of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, who died at 41 from complications of severe pneumonia that led to sepsis. As the sport prepares for the Coca-Cola 600 this Sunday, one of its biggest stars has offered a heartfelt way to honor the late driver’s legacy.
Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup champion and perennial fan favorite, told reporters that he believes kyle busch should be voted the Most Popular Driver this season. It’s a suggestion that carries deep historical weight in NASCAR.
“I would be in extreme favor of Kyle winning the vote,” Elliott said. “I think that he’s a guy that certainly poured a lot of his life into this sport. Although he might’ve been getting boos a lot of weeks, he also had a lot of fans, and a lot of really passionate fans. I really haven’t processed all of that, I guess, to get to that point. But I would certainly be in favor of him winning and whatever it took. Yeah, I think it would be really deserving for him to have that honor.”
The Most Popular Driver Award has a poignant precedent. In 2001, after Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500, Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, withdrew his own name from the ballot to ensure Earnhardt won the honor posthumously. That gesture remains one of the sport’s most revered acts of sportsmanship.
Fans have quickly rallied behind Chase Elliott’s proposal, flooding social media with support. “I think we all agree on this one,” one fan wrote. “Chase doing the right thing and asking his fans to vote Kyle Busch most popular driver this year just like Bill did in 2001.” Another added, “Please make this happen NASCAR.” A third declared, “Chase you are such a class act. That would be so heartfelt and touching for Kyle to win it.”
Busch’s death has already sparked a wave of tributes across the garage. rcr retired the no. 8 car in his honor, and fellow drivers like Bubba Wallace and Jimmie Johnson have shared emotional memories. The Busch family confirmed Saturday that the two-time champion died from severe pneumonia that rapidly progressed into sepsis, causing overwhelming complications.
Elliott’s suggestion isn’t just about sentiment—it’s about legacy. Busch, known for his fierce competitiveness and polarizing personality, amassed a massive fan base over two decades in the Cup Series. While he often drew boos, he also inspired deep loyalty. The Most Popular Driver Award, voted by fans through the National Motorsports Press Association, would be a fitting final nod to a driver who gave everything to the sport.
As the NASCAR community prepares to race under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the conversation around how to properly honor Busch continues. Elliott’s call echoes a tradition of respect that transcends rivalries. Whether or not the award goes to Busch this year, the gesture itself speaks volumes about the bond between drivers and fans.
Our thoughts remain with the Busch family, including his wife Samantha and son Brexton, during this unimaginable time.
