In a surprise to no one, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been honored as NASCAR's most popular driver yet again.
This time, though, the Most Popular Driver award – given Thursday at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon in Las Vegas – came with a bit of history: Earnhardt Jr. tied Bill Elliott with his 10th consecutive victory.
Elliott still holds the record with 16 overall MPD awards. He removed himself from the competition after the last time he won.
Earnhardt Jr., taking the stage to accept his award at the Wynn, thanked his fans for voting for him yet again. The voting took place throughout the season, but the totals were reset at the start of the Chase.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver said his fans' continued support was a "great example of loyalty in its truest form."
"I'm completely humbled and honored to accept this," he said.
Earnhardt Jr., 38, could break Elliott's consecutive awards streak next year.
Here's the finishing order for the top 10 of the Most Popular Driver Award:
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Jeff Gordon
- Kasey Kahne
- Tony Stewart
- Jimmie Johnson
- Kevin Harvick
- Kyle Busch
- Carl Edwards
- Matt Kenseth
- Bobby Labonte