Stewart’s Popularity Boost Proof That Anything Is Possible

The focus of the coming week's "Championship Week" festivities will be, of course, Jimmie Johnson and his fourth-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup title. There will be other awards and accolades to be handed out this week, though, including the Chex Most Popular Driver Award. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has owned the award since perennial fan favorite Bill Elliott permanently pulled himself from the ballot after winning the prestigious, fan-selected award for a 16th time, including every year from 1991-2000, in 2002. Should the driver affectionately-known as Junior claim the award thanks to his colossal "Junior Nation," it will come as no surprise. In spite of his worst season ever in terms of on-track performance, Earnhardt's fans remain immensely loya...

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