Junior most popular for eighth consecutive year

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. collected his eighth consecutive NASCAR NMPA most popular driver award Thursday after receiving the most online fan votes among all eligible drivers throughout the 2010 racing season. He joins Bill Elliott as the only drivers to win the award at least eight consecutive years.

The trophy was presented by Hamburger Helper to Earnhardt Jr. at the NMPA Myers Brothers ceremony in Las Vegas. For the first time in award history, a fan was also involved with the presentation ceremony. Rachel Didat, winner of the Hamburger Helper Most Passionate Fan contest, was on stage to help present the award.

Fans cast more than 1.5 million total votes throughout the 2010 campaign, voting up to once per day for their favorite driver. Earnhardt Jr. beat out nine other finalists: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.

"It was pretty cool to hear that I was eight in a row just like Bill [Elliott]," Earnhardt Jr. said. "I've enjoyed winning it -- my fan base has stayed strong. It's become an important honor each year for me. I'm glad that fans still feel their support for me. I appreciate their dedication and loyalty."

"The legend of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s fan support grows each year he wins this award," said Dustin Long, president of the National Motorsports Press Association. "The NMPA is appreciative of the fans who vote and continue to make this award a part of the sport's fabric."

Elliott holds the record for consecutive most popular driver wins with 10, and he also holds the record for total wins with 16. He removed himself from voting after earning the honor for the 16th time.

Didat, a racing fan from New Albany, Ind., won the trip to Las Vegas after collecting the most online votes for her video submission in the Hamburger Helper Most Passionate Fan contest. Her video, which shows her cooking Hamburger Helper with the assistance of the famous, four-fingered Helping Hand, earned more votes than four other finalists.