Chili's Grill and Bar Strengthens Partnership with Spire Motorsports for 2026 NASCAR Season

Chili's® Grill and Bar Renews Multi-Year Partnership

Chili's® Grill and Bar, a prominent name in casual dining, has officially announced its renewed partnership with Spire Motorsports for the 2026 NASCAR season. This collaboration, centered around the No. 77 Chevrolet ZL1 driven by rising star Carson Hocevar, aims to amplify the excitement and engagement of NASCAR fans across the country.

A Year of Unique Engagement

The partnership has already proven fruitful, thanks to unique initiatives over the past year, which encouraged NASCAR fans to 'Ride the 'Dente.' This included an engaging country music video, an innovative mechanical margarita shaker ride, and vibrant firesuits celebrating Chili's famous Presidente Margarita®. These elements created an authentic connection with fans, allowing them to engage with the brand in fun and creative ways.

Tim Forman, the Director of Media for Chili's, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s growth, stating, "Our collaboration with Spire Motorsports continues to flourish as we witness the excitement at the track and among NASCAR fans nationwide. We take our business seriously but are excited about the opportunities to bring joy and creativity to our partnership."

Anticipation for 2026

The 2026 NASCAR season marks Chili's debut at their home state of Texas during the race weekend at Circuit of the Americas on March 1. The upcoming season presents a fantastic opportunity for Chili's and Spire Motorsports to elevate their visibility, with Hocevar aiming to secure more victories after finishing strong in the previous season.

Hocevar is optimistic about what the new season holds, stating, "I believe the 'Ride the 'Dente' design was one of the most iconic schemes of the season. Our partnership with Chili's is becoming a hot topic in the garage, and I am ready to deliver outstanding results on the track."

Expanding Racing Footprint

In addition to the primary sponsorship on the No. 77, Chili's has broadened its racing involvement by sponsoring Hocevar's dirt late model and a sprint car driven by fellow driver Gio Scelzi. A notable mention is Chili's participation in the Chili Bowl Nationals where it sponsors Scelzi's midget, alongside being featured in title sponsorship for FloRacing's coverage.

Jeff Dickerson, Co-Owner of Spire Motorsports, emphasized the significant evolution of their relationship with Chili's. What began as a brief endorsement has blossomed into a comprehensive partnership. "Chili's commitment to this platform showcases the essence of our collaboration. We’ve built a solid NASCAR Cup Series program with Carson and our No. 77 team, and we are thrilled to enhance our efforts on the racetrack together."

Hocevar's Rise

Following his remarkable Rookie of the Year season in 2024, Hocevar showcased his talent with strong performances, including two runner-up finishes at prominent tracks like Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway. His popularity continues to grow, thanks to his authentic personality off the track and skillful presence on it.

Details regarding Chili's primary race dates and the design reveal for the March 1 weekend will be announced as the season approaches. Fans eager to learn more about Spire Motorsports can find updates at spire-motorsports.com.

About Chili's® Grill and Bar

Founded in 1975, Chili's Grill and Bar has become a leader in the casual dining sector, known for its signature dishes like Big Mouth Burgers® and sizzling fajitas. The Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) flagship brand operates over 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries. Their dedication to customer experience and community support is evident, including significant fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

About Spire Motorsports

Spire Motorsports, co-owned by Jeff Dickerson and Dan Towriss, fields entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, and High Limit Racing. Their impressive history includes inaugural wins across various series, showcasing their commitment to competitive racing and team development. As they continue to elevate their presence in the racing world, the partnership with Chili's signifies exciting prospects for both entities in the seasons to come.