NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has been posthumously voted the most popular driver in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2026 season, according to an Associated Press report published Wednesday.
The announcement comes after the conclusion of the 2026 Cup Series season. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, received the honor following his death, though details surrounding his passing were not included in the initial report.
The most popular driver award is determined by fan voting and has been a staple of NASCAR's year-end honors. Busch's selection marks the first time the award has been given posthumously in the series' modern era.
Busch, who competed for Richard Childress Racing in 2026, accumulated 63 career Cup Series victories and championships in 2015 and 2019 during his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing. The 2026 season represented his 22nd full-time campaign in NASCAR's top division.
