Kyle Busch posthumously named 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver

Kyle Busch was posthumously awarded the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver, according to SpeedwayMedia.com. The announcement was made during the NASCAR Awards ceremony held in Miami, Florida, on November 10, 2026.

Busch, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, was a two-time Cup Series champion with a total of 234 victories across NASCAR’s top three national touring series, including 63 in the Cup Series. He also held the record for most all-time wins between the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the FedEx Freight Truck Series.

The award was accepted by Busch’s widow, Samantha, who delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the support from the NASCAR community, fellow competitors, and fans, as reported by SpeedwayMedia.com and WCVB.

Kyle Busch died unexpectedly on May 21, 2026, from complications of pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. He was competing in his fourth consecutive Cup season with Richard Childress Racing at the time of his death.

This marks the first time since Dale Earnhardt in 2001 that the Most Popular Driver award has been given posthumously, making Busch the 21st driver to receive this honor in the Cup division, according to SpeedwayMedia.com.