Voting Continues for NASCAR NMPA Most Popular Driver Award

Current Top-10 Drivers Listed, Every Eligible Driver Has Received VotesCHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 15, 2013) – With only five races remaining in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, the race for the championship is at fever pitch. But, it’s not the only championship to be determined. Since February, fans have been voting daily for the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award.With nearly one million votes counted, there is still time for fans to push their favorite driver into the lead.  They are encouraged to visit www.MostPopularDriver.com and vote once a day for their favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup driver among the 39 eligible candidates.  All 39 will remain eligible for voting throughout the end of the Sprint Cup Series season. Voting will conclude Nov. 17 at 11:59 PM ET after the season’s final race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway. The winner will be announced at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon in December.

This year marks the first year of eligibility for Sprint Cup rookie Danica Patrick. Her presence has been felt and she is one of the drivers in the top-10 of total votes. Other drivers within the top 10 of most votes are Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart.  Every driver eligible for the award has received votes.

Earnhardt Jr. notched his 10th straight NASCAR NMPA Most Popular Driver award last season, tying a record for consecutive awards set by Bill Elliott.  Elliott holds the record for most overall awards with 16.

“This race is always determined by the fans,” said Kenny Bruce, president of the NMPA. “We encourage every fan let their voice be heard and vote for their favorite driver.  We have 39 eligible drivers and each one has received multiple votes.  It’s a testament to the loyal fan base of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers.”

The NMPA Most Popular Driver distinction has been awarded every year since 1956.  At one time, the contest was decided by a poll among drivers, taken at the end of the racing season. Later, members of the media determined the winner. Today, race fans from all over the world make the ultimate decision.

For more information and to vote on the NASCAR NMPA Most Popular Driver Award, visit www.MostPopularDriver.com.