Earnhardt Jr. wins his 5th most popular driver award

NEW YORK - Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the NASCAR NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver award for the fifth consecutive season in an announcement made Thursday during the Myers Brothers Luncheon.

Earnhardt Jr. earned 1.4 million of the 3.8 million votes cast on www.mostpopulardriver.com. Fans could vote once a day for their favorite driver, and voting ended November 19.

"I'm extremely honored to win this award again, because it puts me with a very select group of drivers who I have a lot of respect for," Earnhardt Jr. said. "When I became a Cup driver in 1999, I never would've imagined that we'd be talking about five consecutive Most Popular Driver awards. I have a special place at JR Motorsports where I put the MPD trophies, so I'm honored to add another one to the collection.

"I don't want it to sound like a cliché, but this award really does mean a lot to me after all we have been through this year. This year has marked a significant transition in my life and career, and I knew the fans could go either way in supporting my decision or not. It was tough, and I don't underestimate the fans' support. It's been overwhelming, and I really appreciate it."

Earnhardt Jr. went through a tumultuous season, publicly feuding with stepmother and team owner Teresa Earnhardt before announcing he was leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Earnhardt Jr. later announced he was joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2008.

Earnhardt, Jr. joins Richard Petty and Bill Elliott as the only drivers to win five straight awards. Petty won from 1974-1978 and Elliott won from 1984-1988.

Other drivers who finished in this year's top 10 include Jeff Gordon, who finished second in the voting, followed by Michael Waltrip, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett.

He went winless in 2007, the first time in his Cup career he failed to win a race.

Among other award winners announced during the luncheon at Cipriani include Home Depot Humanitarian Award: Penske Racing President Don Miller; NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award: ESPN Marketing; Buddy Shuman Award (for dedication to NASCAR): Robert Yates; Bud Pole Award (for most poles): Jeff Gordon; USG Improving the Finish Award: Matt Kenseth; DirecTV Crew Chief of the Year: Mike Ford; Clevite Engine Builder of the Year: Hendrick Engines; Goodyear Gatorback Fastest Lap Award: Jimmie Johnson; Dow Automotive Strategic Call of the Race Award: Johnson; Sunoco Diamond Performance Award: Johnson; Goodyear Award: Johnson.

• Mentioned Drivers:
• Bill Elliott