Elliott wins most popular driver again

Well, I guess my source for this information was not correct in stating that Earnhardt had won, because I just visited the NASCAR home page and found that Elliott won it again for the 11th time. Here's the scoop....

B ill Elliott, driver of the No. 94 McDonald?s Ford, was voted Most Popular Driver of 1996 in fan balloting conducted by the National Motorsports Press Association. It was the sixth consecutive year and record 11th time in 13 seasons that Elliott has won the award. Dale Earnhardt was runner-up.

The only driver close to Elliott is retired great Richard Petty with nine. Except for 1989 and 1990, Elliott has won the award every year since 1984.

"Well, this is the only thing I won this year," Elliott said. " Winning this award for the 11th time really says something about our fans. I have said it over and over, in this sport they stick with you no matter what."

According to Waid, the balloting came down to Nov. 18, the final day of voting, in the closest race ever. More than 58,000 votes were cast through a 900 telephone number during the final stages of the season.