Regardless of who’s more popular, Dale Earnhardt Jr. ‘big fan’ of Cam Newton

6:28 PM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. indisputably is the most popular driver in NASCAR, having won the award voted on by fans 13 consecutive seasons.

But is he the most popular athlete in his hometown of Charlotte, N.C. (He’s technically from nearby Mooresville, but he also calls Charlotte home)?

Is Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton more popular?

There have been no polls or votes, so there’s no way to officially say.

Newton wasn’t even in the top 20 (22nd) in NFL merchandise sales in January, when the last figures were released by NFL Players Inc. He wasn’t even first among Panthers, trailing teammate Luke Kuechly at No. 18.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes that Cam Newton is good for the city of Charlotte. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Earnhardt annually is one of the top — if not the top — in NASCAR souvenir sales.

But that’s apples and oranges.

And as Earnhardt reminded, he and the reigning NFL MVP aren’t in a popularity competition.

“But he could and can and …

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