In a heartfelt tribute, Elliott seeks to posthumously award Busch the title he never won
Category: Sports
In a poignant gesture following the untimely death of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott announced on May 23, 2026, that he will campaign for Busch to be named the Most Popular Driver this year. Busch, who passed away at the age of 41 on May 21, was a two-time Cup Series champion and remains a legendary figure in the sport, having won 234 races across NASCAR's top three series, more than any other driver.
Elliott, who has claimed the Most Popular Driver award for the past eight consecutive years, expressed his desire to honor Busch's contributions to NASCAR by supporting his candidacy for the award. "I would be in extreme favor of Kyle winning the vote," Elliott said. "He’s a guy who certainly poured a lot of his life into the sport. And, though he might have been getting boos a lot of weeks, he also had a lot of fans, a lot of really passionate fans. I would certainly be in favor of him winning, whatever it took. I think he’d be really deserving." This sentiment resonates deeply with fans and fellow racers alike, as many recall Busch's fierce competitiveness and dedication to the sport.
The tradition of honoring drivers posthumously is not new in NASCAR. In 2001, Elliott's father, Bill Elliott, removed himself from consideration for the Most Popular Driver award to allow Dale Earnhardt Sr. to receive the honor after his tragic death in a crash at the Daytona 500. Bill Elliott had previously won the award 15 times, including ten consecutive wins before 2001. He remarked at the time, "This is a much different year than others. Dale Earnhardt never won this award, and I think it would be a tremendous honor for the Earnhardt family to receive it this year. I certainly don’t want to stand in the way." This legacy of sportsmanship and respect continues with Chase Elliott's current campaign.
Kyle Busch's career spanned over 16 years, during which he became known as a polarizing yet immensely talented driver. His knack for winning races and his sometimes brash demeanor earned him the nickname "Rowdy." Busch's ability to draw both criticism and admiration from fans and fellow drivers alike made him one of the most talked-about figures in NASCAR. His death from complications related to pneumonia and sepsis shocked the racing community, leaving many to mourn not just a competitor, but a friend and mentor.
Chase Elliott, who first raced against Busch at the age of 14 during an event at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, has often spoken about the impact Busch had on his career. Elliott learned valuable lessons from Busch, who was known for his competitive spirit and willingness to mentor younger drivers. "Kyle was a guy that raced the right way, in my opinion," Elliott said. "And when you have a guy that raced the way I view to be the right way, that rubs off." This mentorship was evident in how Busch approached racing, emphasizing respect and sportsmanship over reckless behavior.
Busch's legacy is marked by his victories and by the relationships he built within the sport. Elliott recalls a tough lesson he learned from Busch during his rookie year at Pocono, where Busch advised him against aggressive racing tactics that could lead to unnecessary conflicts on the track. These moments of guidance highlight the respect and camaraderie that characterized their relationship, which Elliott cherishes deeply.
The NASCAR community is now rallying around Elliott's campaign for Busch, with many fans expressing their support on social media. The Most Popular Driver award is traditionally decided by fan votes, and the outpouring of emotion following Busch's death may influence voters to honor him posthumously. Elliott's willingness to step aside and support Busch's candidacy reflects a deep-seated respect for their shared experiences and the legacy they both represent within NASCAR.
As the Coca-Cola 600 approaches, set for June 4, 2026, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Busch's contributions to the sport. The race will serve as both a tribute to Busch and a platform for Elliott's campaign, as fans and fellow drivers alike come together to celebrate the life and career of a man who left an indelible mark on NASCAR.
Elliott's efforts to secure the Most Popular Driver award for Busch are not merely about recognition; they symbolize a broader message of unity and respect within the racing community. "I’m just really grateful for the memories. It’s just hard to believe, man... I will be pulling for Brexton," Elliott said, referring to Busch's son. "He meant everything to Kyle. That’s why I’m wearing his shirt. I just want the best for him down the road. I hope he’s able to accomplish all of the things he dreams." With the NASCAR community behind him, Elliott's campaign for Busch is gaining momentum, promising to keep the spirit of the late champion alive in the hearts of fans and racers alike.