Junior's still the most popular kid in NASCAR, more news and notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to be the Most Popular Driver in the Cup Series. AP

Consider Brad Keselowski "Popular by Association."

Keselowski, who drives for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s NASCAR Nationwide Series team at JR Motorsports, was named the Most Popular Driver in that Series. Earnhardt also won the award for the Sprint Cup Series.

This just underlines how popular Earnhardt is because just by Keselowski being connected with him automatically makes Keselowski a fan favorite. The same was true when Martin Truex, Jr. drove full-time in what was then the Busch Series.

If Earnhardt endorsed Brussels sprouts, they would instantly become the most popular vegetable among NASCAR fans.

"This was a breakout year for Brad, and it's really cool that the fans recognized his talents and personality enough to cast their votes for him [through online voting]," Earnhardt Jr. said. "We'll have fun with this, because we have a lot of fun racing each other when I drive in the Nationwide Series. This is one more thing we can be competitive about."

Keselowski had a stellar season, finishing third in points, the highest-finishing Nationwide regular. He closed the year with two wins (Nashville and Bristol), one pole award, 11 top-fives and 20 top-10s.

"To be voted by the fans to win the Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award really puts an exclamation point on this season," Keselowski said. "I think back to where I was two years ago, and consider myself so fortunate to be in this position at JR Motorsports. The fans have been extremely supportive of me, and I can't thank them enough for this award and the continued support they show."

As for Earnhardt Jr., he received his sixth consecutive Chex NMPA Most Popular Driver award in New York last Thursday after receiving more than 1 million fan votes. Only Bill Elliott (1991-2000) has more consecutive Most Popular Driver titles. Earnhardt is behind Elliott (16) and Richard Petty (9) for most total awards.

"I've been fortunate enough to win this award now for the sixth time, and I can tell you it never gets old." Earnhardt said. "I've said it many times before that this award is special because it's the voice of the fans.

"I think back to over a year ago when I made the decision to go to Hendrick Motorsports, and my biggest concern was whether the fans would support my decision. They did, and I will always be grateful for that. I appreciate everyone who voted."

The top 10 drivers receiving the most votes in alphabetical order were Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip.

NASCAR loves to say it's all about competition, but when it comes to this popularity contest, there is no competition at all as Earnhardt is by far the fan's favorite.

HEY, HOW ABOUT THIS NAME?

With Petty Enterprises discussing a merger with the current Sprint Cup team owned by George Gillett, who also owns the Montreal Canadians, it would create a union with Richard Petty, "The King" of NASCAR racing.

So, rather than call it Gillett Motorsports or even Gillett Petty Motorsports, here's my pick for the new team.

King George Racing.