Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins 2017 Most Popular Driver Award

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Final Ride at Homestead
(Photo-CCK Photography)

For the 15th consecutive time, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was announced as the Most Popular Driver in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Thursday in Las Vegas. Awarded based on fan votes, only Bill Elliott has won the award more. Elliott won the award 16 times.

"I've really got to thank the fans, " said Earnhardt Jr. Thursday night. "Without them, none of the opportunities I had would've happened."

Despite not securing a victory in his final season, a farewell tour highlighted the majority of the season. The "Apreci88tion" tour moved along many of the tracks which gave the fans one final chance to see their hero race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also received the Bill France Award of Excellence.

The real question remains on who will replace Earnhardt following his retirement. With a long list of up-and-coming drivers, it's very hard to tell. (Koelle,2017)