Danica Patrick and Alex Lloyd were honoured as the most popular driver in the IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series respectively, during the INDY DownForce Banquet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It was the third-straight Most Popular Driver Award for Patrick who, despite earning herself a reputation for complaining this season, joined Sarah Fisher as the only three-time winners of the honour.

"I'm very flattered that I've received this award once, let alone three times," the Andretti Green Racing star said, "Every person has the ability to pick their favourite driver, and it can change so it's a real honour to receive an award from the fans. I hope I can keep giving the fans something to be excited about and they enjoy watching IndyCar Series races as much I enjoy being in them."

Lloyd, who captured the Indy Pro Series title, was honoured by the fans for the first time and became the first driver other than Arie Luyendyk Jr to win the IPS award after the American won the title in four consecutive seasons.

"It means a lot, especially since I'm a new driver over here and I'm from England, so not many people knew me," Lloyd said, "To win an award from the fans, the people who make my job possible, is a pleasure. It's been a great year for me, and this just tops it off."