DALLAS — Chili’s Grill & Bar and Spire Motorsports have signed a multiyear extension for the company to continue sponsoring the No. 77 Chevrolet driven by Carson Hocevar.
Last year’s activation encouraged NASCAR fans to Ride the ‘Dente with a country music video, mechanical margarita shaker ride and headline-grabbing firesuits celebrating the brand’s world-famous Presidente Margarita.
Chili’s makes its 2026 debut in its home state of Texas at the March 1 NASCAR race weekend at Circuit of the Americas, the first of multiple dates on the No. 77.
“Our partnership with Spire Motorsports continues to grow as we see excitement build at the track and with race fans across the country,” said Chili’s Director of Media Tim Forman. “We both take our business seriously but are eager to embrace opportunities to have fun and show up in unexpected ways together. Last season, Carson took it to a new level, giving fans an authentic reason to connect with Ride the ‘Dente, and we can’t wait to continue that push this year.”
“The team at Chili’s has really become students of the game,” said Hocevar. “I think the Ride the ‘Dente look was one of the cleanest and most iconic schemes of the season, and it feels like we’re becoming one of the most talked about team and partner relationships in the garage. I’m really excited to build on that in 2026. Every race we were in the Chili’s colors, we were really fast, and our plan is to give back to their commitment by getting them a lot of TV time up front, and hopefully, in Victory Lane.”
Chili’s has expanded its racing footprint with Spire Motorsports with primary placement on Hocevar’s dirt late model and the High Limit Racing sprint car driven by fellow Spire Ascent driver Gio Scelzi. At this week’s Chili Bowl Nationals, Chili’s sponsors Scelzi’s midget and is the pre- and post-race show title sponsor for FloRacing’s coverage throughout the event.
“I am infinitely thankful for the relationship Spire Motorsports has built with Chili’s,” said Spire Motorsports Co-Owner Jeff Dickerson. “From what started as a one- or two-race opportunity, to where we find ourselves in 2026 is a true testament to Chili’s commitment to this platform. We’ve built a solid NASCAR Cup Series program with Carson (Hocevar) and our No. 77 team and expanded the relationship to connect with our High Limit sprint car team and dirt late model project. We’ve had a pit road seat to their story too, so we truly appreciate how Chili’s has re-emerged as the go-to, casual dining destination across the country. We’re more than proud Chili’s has joined us on our mission to win races and compete for championships. We’ve enjoyed so much to this point and still have much to accomplish.”
