With Hardcore Race Fans placing more than one million votes for the 2008 NASCAR NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver award, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the recipient for the sixth consecutive year. Dale Jr. led the voting ahead of more than 40 other drivers to collect the honors.

Earnhardt Jr. was presented the award at the NMPA’s Myers Brothers Media Luncheon on Thursday. With six uninterrupted wins, Bill Elliott is the only driver to lead Earnhardt Jr. in the category.

With Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip concluding the top-10 most popular drivers in the sport, it is no doubt that Earnhardt Jr. has a devoted fan base.

"The fans have spoken, and it's obvious that Dale Earnhardt Jr. truly is amongst the elite of fans' support," stated President of the National Motorsports Press Association, Tom Jenson. "He deserves this award, and we're thankful for all the fans who continue to vote and make this award a rich part of our sports history."

Noting that his move to Hendrick Motorsports was a major concern as of whether his fans would continue to support him, Earnhardt Jr. is thrilled to have the admiration of the fans and to continue his title as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver.

"I've been fortunate enough to win this award now for the sixth time, and I can tell you it never gets old." Earnhardt Jr. said. "I've said it many times before that this award is special because it's the voice of the fans.

"I think back to over a year ago when I made the decision to go to Hendrick Motorsports, and my biggest concern was whether the fans would support my decision." added Earnhardt Jr. "They did, and I will always be grateful for that. I appreciate everyone who voted, and I want to thank Chex and the National Motorsports Press Association for all they do for the sport."