NASCAR Honors Dale Earnhardt Sr. with First-Ever Posthumous Most Popular Driver Award
Charlotte, NC – July 20, 2025
In an unprecedented move that unites the sport’s past and present, NASCAR, in partnership with the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) and fans worldwide, has posthumously awarded the 2025 Honorary Most Popular Driver Award to Dale Earnhardt Sr., recognizing the enduring legacy of the seven-time champion more than two decades after his tragic passing.
The decision was announced today at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, during a special ceremony attended by members of the Earnhardt family, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., representatives from Richard Childress Racing, NASCAR executives, and NMPA officials.
“Dale’s legacy goes far beyond his wins and championships,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps. “His impact on the sport is immeasurable, and to this day, he commands one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. This award is for them—and for him.”
The National Motorsports Press Association, which oversees the annual Most Popular Driver vote, introduced the honorary award after a successful fan-led petition gathered over 1 million signatures. The petition called for formal recognition of Earnhardt’s unmatched influence, particularly among fans who still wear his iconic black No. 3.
“Dale Earnhardt changed the face of NASCAR,” said NMPA President Kelly Crandall. “This award doesn’t rewrite history—it finally completes it.”
Though Earnhardt never won the award during his lifetime—largely due to the dominance of Bill Elliott in fan voting—his influence on the sport’s growth, safety innovations, and driver development programs has only strengthened in the years since his passing.
As part of the tribute, NASCAR also announced that the Most Popular Driver Award will be renamed in Earnhardt’s honor starting in 2026, becoming the Dale Earnhardt Most Popular Driver Award.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., himself a 15-time winner of the award, accepted the honor on his father’s behalf. “Dad didn’t care about being liked—he cared about winning,” Junior said with a smile. “But deep down, he loved the fans. And they’ve never stopped loving him.”
