NASCAR’s storied history is not only marked by high-speed thrills and legendary drivers but also by a series of race names that range from the peculiar to the downright hilarious. These titles, often born from sponsorship deals, have provided fans with memorable—and sometimes bewildering—moments. Let’s delve into some of the most unusual NASCAR race names that have graced the sport.
1. Buschy McBusch Race 400 (2021)
In a playful twist, Busch Beer allowed fans to name the spring race at Kansas Speedway. The result? The whimsically redundant Buschy McBusch Race 400, showcasing NASCAR’s embrace of humor and fan engagement.
2. Spongebob Squarepants 400 (2015)
Kansas Speedway transformed into a nautical adventure with the Spongebob Squarepants 400. The event featured themed decorations and cars, merging the worlds of racing and animation in a delightfully unexpected way.
3. Thatlook.com 300 (2000)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway hosted the Thatlook.com 300, sponsored by a now-defunct cosmetic surgery website. The race’s title left many fans puzzled, highlighting the sometimes obscure nature of sponsorships.
4. Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner 300 (2021-2023)
The Xfinity Series opener at Daytona was aptly named to promote the beef industry. Winners celebrated with a cooler filled with steaks, adding a flavorful twist to victory lane.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400 (2016)
Chicagoland Speedway embraced the ‘heroes in a half shell’ with this themed race, complete with turtle-inspired decorations and fan activities, blending pop culture with motorsports.
6. Party in the Poconos 400 presented by Walmart (2013)
Pocono Raceway’s fan-voted title conjured images of infield festivities, capturing the spirit of race-day celebrations and community involvement.
7. Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 200 (2012)
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Truck Series race was named after the comedian’s corn chip brand, adding a Southern flavor and a touch of humor to the event.
8. Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 Powered by Big Machine Records (2020)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Indianapolis race title reflected the times, with a sponsor pivoting from vodka to hand sanitizer production.
9. My Bariatric Solutions 300 (2018)
Texas Motor Speedway’s Xfinity race was sponsored by a weight loss solutions company, leading to a race name that stood out for its health-focused branding.
10. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 200 (2016)
Dover International Speedway’s Xfinity Series race featured a discount retail chain as its sponsor, bringing a touch of everyday shopping to the high-speed world of NASCAR.
These race names not only highlight the creativity and diversity of NASCAR’s sponsorships but also add a layer of entertainment and intrigue, reflecting the sport’s dynamic relationship with popular culture and commercial partnerships.
For a visual journey through some of these quirky race names, you might enjoy this video:
