Nascar locks in Arby’s as new founding partner for Chicago Street Race

Nascar has secured fast-food chain Arby’s as a new founding partner for the upcoming street race in Chicago.

Confirmed:

• Arby’s will bring ‘unique activations, surprise appearances, and product offers’ to the weekend
• Nascar is yet to agree an extension to its three-year deal with Chicago, which expires this season

Context:

Arby’s comes on board as the third founding partner of the race, joining Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and Xfinity’s Xumo brand. Nascar has been looking for a third partner to support the race since McDonald’s opted to prematurely terminate its three-year deal at the start of this season. ABB also served as a founding partner last year after signing on as an official partner of Nascar Impact, but will not return to the race for 2025. It hasn’t been disclosed how much Arby’s is paying to be a founding partner, but Nascar was looking for around US$2 million annually when it established the event in 2022.

Arby’s has an existing partnership with Rick Ware Racing, supporting their driver Cody Ware. The company will run as the primary sponsor on his number 51 car during the weekend.

Comment:

“It’s a watershed moment anytime you have a new brand joining the sport for the first time, especially when it’s a partner like Arby’s with such a unique, recognisable brand,” said Craig Stimmel, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Nascar.

“The fact that we’re welcoming Arby’s to Nascar on the streets of Chicago speaks to the tremendous momentum behind the Nascar Chicago Street Race and the sport overall.”

“Arby’s is thrilled to hit the track as a founding partner of the 2025 Nascar Chicago Street Race,” added Jeff Baker, chief marketing officer at Arby’s.

“This marks an exciting moment for our brand in the world of motorsports, with one of the most dynamic and ground-breaking 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.”

Coming next:

The third-ever Chicago Street Race takes place on Independence Day weekend from 4th to 6th July, but there is every chance this could be the last one. The event is not confirmed on the Nascar schedule beyond this season and Nascar executives have repeatedly declined to discuss the future of the race.

The event has suffered from various logistical issues during its two years as part of the Nascar calendar and local residents have voiced concerns around the disruption caused by the race.

Go deeper: