Kyle Busch Receives NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award After His Death
In a deeply emotional moment for the NASCAR community, Kyle Busch has finally received one of the honors he wanted most throughout his racing career.
The late two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was named the 2026 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver during NASCAR’s season-ending awards ceremony in Miami on November 10.
His wife, Samantha Busch, accepted the award on his behalf as the audience gave the family a standing ovation.
Kyle Busch Finally Wins the Award He Wanted for Years
Kyle Busch spent much of his career chasing victories and championships. However, one major recognition had always remained out of reach: NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award.
According to his wife, Kyle wanted the honor badly and even contacted NASCAR after one previous voting result to find out how close he had come to winning.
This year, fans finally made that wish come true.
The award was especially meaningful because it was determined entirely by fan voting. It also marked the first time since Dale Earnhardt in 2001 that the NASCAR Cup Series award had been presented posthumously.
Chase Elliott Steps Aside to Honor Kyle Busch
One of the most touching parts of the story involved Chase Elliott.
Elliott had won the Most Popular Driver Award for eight consecutive years, from 2018 through 2025. However, he chose to withdraw from consideration for the 2026 award and encouraged his supporters to vote for Kyle.
His decision was inspired by the example set by his father, NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, who had stepped aside following Dale Earnhardt’s death in 2001.
Other drivers, including Kyle Larson, also helped encourage fans to support Busch.
Samantha thanked the drivers who put aside their own competition and helped make her husband’s longtime wish possible.
Samantha Busch Delivers an Emotional Message
While accepting the award, Samantha struggled to hold back her emotions.
She spoke about how much Kyle wanted the recognition and how meaningful it was to see fans and fellow drivers come together in his memory.
She also thanked the NASCAR community for the love shown to her family during an incredibly difficult time.
“There was no Rowdy without the fans,” Samantha said, referring to Kyle’s famous nickname.
Kyle Busch died on May 21, 2026, at the age of 41. He was a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, winning titles in 2015 and 2019.
He recorded 63 victories in the Cup Series and a record 234 wins across NASCAR’s three national series.
Although Kyle was not there to collect the trophy himself, his family, fellow drivers, and fans made sure his legacy received the recognition he had wanted for so many years.
For Samantha and their children, it was more than another NASCAR award. It was a reminder of how deeply Kyle Busch was loved and how much he meant to the sport.
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