The National Motorsports Press Association’s Most Popular Driver Award will officially launch in July as the association welcomes a new presenting sponsor for the 62-year-old program. The Most Popular Driver Award is the only major NASCAR award determined solely by fan vote. The winner is announced during the annual Myers Brothers Luncheon held in conjunction with Champions’ Week activities in Las Vegas. ‘We sincerely appreciate the interest expressed by so many fans surrounding the Most Popular Driver program during the past few months,’ NMPA president Kenny Bruce said. ‘Their continued participation, passion and loyalty are the reason for the program’s amazing success and longevity.’ Dale Earnhardt Jr. collected his 11th consecutive NMPA Most Popular Driver Award in 2013 as NASCAR fans cast more than 1 million votes throughout the season. Bill Elliott holds the record for most MPD awards as the 1988 NASCAR champion earned the honor 16 times.(NMPA)(5-23-2014)
