Kyle Busch Receives “Most Popular” Honor From NASCAR, Wife Samantha Accepts On His Behalf
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Six months after his untimely passing, Kyle Busch has been recognized by NASCAR with a new distinction.
The late racing champion was named the 2026 National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver on Tuesday, November 10, during the NASCAR Awards ceremony in Miami.
This marks Kyle Busch’s first-ever Most Popular Driver honor, which is determined entirely by fan voting. The recognition reflects the unwavering support of his loyal fanbase, affectionately known as “Rowdy Nation,” which stood behind him throughout his career and has rallied alongside his family following his death.
The win was made possible in part by a show of support from fellow driver Chase Elliott, who withdrew from consideration after claiming the award eight consecutive years from 2018 through 2025. Last month, Elliott encouraged his own supporters to rally behind Busch and shared:
“He has my vote, and I encourage those out there who want to get involved to show him that same love. It would be a really cool honor for him and his family.”
Elliott’s decision mirrored that of his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, when he stepped aside in 2001, allowing Earnhardt to ultimately receive his first and only Most Popular Driver Award. This is the first time the Cup award has been presented posthumously since then.
Samantha Busch Tearfully Accepts The Award On Kyle Busch’s Behalf
Kyle Busch’s wife of 15 years, Samantha, accepted the award in his place. As she spoke from the podium, the emotion was palpable in the room. Samantha admitted that she “wishes more than anything” that her husband were here to see the support that the NASCAR community has poured out.
“Kyle never changed who he was to make people like him. He was passionate, outspoken, and fiercely competitive. He was rowdy, through and through.
Whether you cheered for him or booed him, he gave you something to make noise about, and he loved that.”
Samantha recalled that it was passion that made the sport special in her late husband’s eyes and described seeing the same passion reflected in his fans as “incredible.” She expressed her gratitude to Chase Elliott and the other drivers who championed Busch for the award.
“To the fans, I wish you knew just how much you meant to him. He loved packed grandstands, meeting families, and seeing kids light up when he signed an autograph. He knew you spent your hard-earned money and time watching him race and he never took that for granted.”
Finally, she choked back tears as she spoke of the significance of this award for their two children, Brexton and Lennox, as it allows them to see another side of their father and how much he meant to others.
Watch Samantha accept the award for National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver on behalf of Kyle Busch in the video below.
