Motorsports
$40 Billion-Backed Fast Food Chain Signs on as Primary Sponsor for NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race
Arby’s has made a major splash in NASCAR by becoming a founding partner of the Chicago Street Race. The fast food giant, which is part of the $40 billion Inspire Brands family, replaces McDonald’s as a top-tier sponsor for the July 5-6 event at Grant Park.
This partnership marks Arby’s first major NASCAR event sponsorship and signals growing commercial momentum for the sport’s only street race.
Arby’s Makes Its Mark on NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race
The partnership positions Arby’s alongside Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Xfinity’s Xumo as the third founding partner for 2025. This represents a significant shift in the event’s sponsorship landscape after McDonald’s held the position for two years.
Chicago street race has signed Arby’s as one of its main/primary presenting sponsors.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 11, 2025
Jeff Baker, Arby’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture: “This marks an exciting moment for our brand in the world of motorsports, with one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking events in racing. Nothing goes better with NASCAR than one of our delicious Arby’s sandwiches, and we can’t wait to bring the meats to the streets for race fans and Arby’s fans in Chicago and beyond.”
And the sponsorship goes much further than just branding. The Arby’s brand will be showcased on the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 Ford Mustang with driver Cody Ware, who will also make fan appearances throughout the race week. The brand also increased its motorsports presence in 2025, acting as primary sponsor on 12 Cup Series races.
The deal comes as NASCAR negotiates with Chicago on extending the event beyond the original three-year agreement.
Chicago Street Race Gets Fan-Friendly Upgrades
NASCAR has added a number of enhancements to make the sport more fan friendly in 2025. Prices have dropped substantially, with single-day grounds passes priced from $123.08, taxes and fees included, a 35% reduction compared to last year. The Premier grandstand seats are nearly 50% off 2024 prices.
Children 12 and under receive free admission all weekend with an accompanying adult’s grounds pass. The event features a streamlined experience with shortened setup and breakdown timelines, reduced concert lineup, and more accessible hospitality options.
Fans can participate in Arby’s ticket sweepstakes through June 22 at 47 Chicago area locations. The brand will have major on-site activations, product offers, and surprise appearances throughout the weekend at the 2.14-mile and 12-turn street course.
NASCAR’s Chief Commercial Officer Craig Stimmel called Arby’s entry a “watershed moment” for both the event and sport. The Chicago Street Race earned “Sports Event of the Year” recognition from Sports Business Journal after its debut, reflecting NASCAR’s growing urban appeal and mainstream relevance.