Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports are bringing a brand-new scheme to NASCAR this season, one that his primary sponsor calls intimidating.
Videos by FanBuzz
The No. 7 will have a blacked-out version of the Ride the 'Dente scheme for Circuit of the Americas and multiple other events on the Cup Series schedule.
This scheme now features a black base that replaces the white base from 2025. It still has the Chili's logos and Ride the 'Dente font, but it now includes red pepper vines. Chili's says this is an homage to founder Larry Lavine.
Photo credit: Spire Motorsports
Similarly, Hocevar's firesuit has received an update to provide an outlaw look. He has a black Western shirt, jeans, and boots. He also brings back the black hat, which leans into the villain role. This marks a change from last season when the Chili's-sponsored drivers first began wearing white cowboy hats.
Then-Spire Motorsports driver Justin Haley wore a white hat at the Daytona 500. Hocevar then wore a white hat for the early races on his Chili's schedule. However, he switched to the black hat for the Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, which featured him starting from the pole for the first time in his career.
"Chili's set the bar last year with the Ride the 'Dente scheme and firesuit," said Hocevar in a press release. "This year they've outdone themselves with the full look. I don't think you'll find another car or campaign in the garage that is as detailed and unique as this one.
"Every little thing has been thought out and it's really cool to be able to represent a brand I love in the sport I love. I hope everyone enjoys seeing the black-and-white Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevy on track, and when we take it to Victory Lane, they can join us at the nearest Chili's for some margs and Triple Dippers."
This scheme reveal takes place at a fitting time for Spire Motorsports. Hocevar's aggressiveness on the track put him in place to contend for the win last weekend at EchoPark Speedway, but it also created a minor controversy.
The first overtime attempt started with Hocevar on the second row behind Christopher Bell and leader Bubba Wallace. Once they took the white flag, he immediately moved to push between Bell and Wallace.
Carson Hocevar went for it ASAP. pic.twitter.com/z0ogFRFXXJ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 23, 2026
This sparked a caution as Bell went into the outside wall, and it sent the race to overtime. Once the field took the green flag for the start of the second overtime, Hocevar used his aggressiveness to again dive to the middle of a three-wide pack.
This maneuver played out better as he avoided a block from Wallace and initially took the lead. However, he could not hold it as he ultimately settled for a fourth-place finish. Winner Tyler Reddick had more help from Toyota teammate Chase Briscoe.
"Overall, it was a good points day for us," Hocevar said after the Atlanta race. "I was taking every run I could. I'm sure I owe people apologies, but I think we're all battling for spaces and runs.
"At the end, all four tires were straight. My toe was knocked out, but it was still pretty fast. Pretty excited about a strong start to the season."
