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CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 12: Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses the media during the NASCAR Championship Format Announcement at NASCAR Productions Facility on January 12, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

Chase Elliott still controls the NASCAR Most Popular Driver conversation, but Carson Hocevar’s rise during the 2026 NASCAR season has started to change how many fans view the future of the sport. Hocevar’s first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway put the Spire Motorsports driver in the spotlight and sparked fresh debate about NASCAR’s popularity.

That discussion became even louder after comments from Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download. Earnhardt Jr. openly questioned whether Hocevar could someday challenge Elliott’s hold on the NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award.

While Elliott remains one of NASCAR’s biggest stars, Hocevar’s aggressive racing style, online presence, and growing fanbase have added a new layer to the NASCAR season and sparked major discussion among NASCAR fans.

Dale Jr. Download Sparks Chase Elliott and Carson Hocevar Debate

The biggest conversation came during the Dale Jr. Download when Dale Earnhardt Jr. discussed Carson Hocevar’s growing popularity in NASCAR. Chase Elliott has won the NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award eight straight times, including the 2025 season. The Hendrick Motorsports driver continues to hold one of the strongest fan bases in NASCAR.

Still, Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted that Carson Hocevar could already be creating real pressure in the fan vote.

“I believe there will be years where Chase has some real competition, and honestly, I feel like that’s already happening. I’d love to know how close that battle really is.”

The Carson Hocevar vs Chase Elliott discussion has started appearing more often as Hocevar’s profile continues to grow. Elliott built his NASCAR popularity through years of strong performances, consistency, and family history. His father, Bill Elliott, won the award 16 times during his NASCAR career.

For now, Chase Elliott remains the face of the NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award, but Hocevar’s rise has clearly gained attention inside the sport.

Carson Hocevar’s NASCAR Popularity Keeps Growing

Carson Hocevar has become one of the most visible younger drivers in NASCAR during the 2026 NASCAR season. Along with racing, he spends time streaming online and interacting with fans during the week.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised Hocevar for showing more of his personality outside the racetrack.

“There will always be stars that come and go, and Hocevar is in a position to really take advantage of this moment. He’s the kind of guy who’s ready to do it. He’s happy to have fun on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and show that to the world. We should embrace that.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also spoke about Hocevar’s willingness to take risks publicly.

“He’s on his rig most nights during the week streaming and putting himself out there,” Earnhardt Jr. added. “He’s taking risks, and I think that shows courage.”

That visibility has helped Carson Hocevar become one of the most talked-about NASCAR drivers this season.

Talladega Victory Elevates Carson Hocevar’s Profile in NASCAR

Hocevar’s Talladega win became one of the biggest moments of the NASCAR Cup Series season. The victory gave the Spire Motorsports driver his first Cup Series win and increased discussion around his future in NASCAR.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also mentioned that Hocevar attended the Met Gala, something rarely associated with NASCAR drivers.

“Even going to the Met Gala — that’s not a place where I would feel comfortable, but he got the call and said, ‘Hell, I’ll do that. Yeah, why not? I did not expect to see him there.”

Despite Hocevar’s rapid rise, Chase Elliott still leads the NASCAR Most Popular Driver conversation. His fanbase remains loyal, and no current NASCAR driver has ended his streak.

Still, Carson Hocevar’s growing popularity has created a new challenge that NASCAR fans will continue watching closely through the rest of the 2026 NASCAR season.