A record 1.75 million votes have been cast for the Chex NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award so far this season, and the 3.3 million-vote record set last season seems to be in serious jeopardy. By going to www.mostpopulardriver.com, NASCAR fans have cast over 1,750,000 votes, some of those surprising and some exactly what was expected. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the award the past two seasons, leads the voting this year as well, certainly no surprise. #24-Jeff Gordon is second, followed by #9-Kasey Kahne, #29-Kevin Harvick and #2-Rusty Wallace. Rounding out the top 10 are #20-Tony Stewart, #15-Michael Waltrip, #88-Dale Jarrett, #6-Mark Martin and #48-Jimmie Johnson. Voting for the more than 40 drivers eligible for the Chex NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award, the only fan-based award in motorsports, began Tuesday, Feb. 1, at www.mostpopulardriver.com and continues through 11:59am/ct, Monday, Nov. 21. Fans may vote once each day at the site.(Williams Company)(6-3-2005)
