The cowboy firesuit and cowboy hat will return to the NASCAR Cup Series this season. Chili's Grill and Bar has reunited with Spire Motorsports and Carson Hocevar.
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According to a Tuesday press release, the restaurant chain will take over the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro for multiple races in 2026 and beyond as part of a multi-year contract. Carson Hocevar will continue to "Ride the 'Dente" while showcasing the company's colors.
The first race featuring the Chili's scheme will be Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, March 1. Spire Motorsports will announce the rest of the dates in the future. The team will also reveal a new Chili's scheme as Hocevar prepares for his third season as a full-time Cup Series driver.
The mic is ON.
We'll be Riding the 'Dente with @Chilis and @CarsonHocevar once again in 2026 and beyond.
📰: https://t.co/lQkJmLElb5 pic.twitter.com/rfr7SQqyLy
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) January 13, 2026
"The team at Chili's has really become students of the game,"Hocevar said in a press release. "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."
Of course, the sponsorship of Hocevar in NASCAR is not the only part of this extension. Chili's will also support his dirt late model car and a High Limit Racing entry controlled by Spire Ascent driver Gio Scelzi.
Chili's joined forces with Spire Motorsports last season while supporting multiple drivers. Justin Haley first showcased the restaurant's logos during the Daytona 500. Hocevar's first race with the company was Bristol Motor Speedway in the spring.
The Michigan native, in particular, ran six races with the Chili's scheme on his Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. He posted six top-10 finishes, headlined by a sixth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in the spring.
"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 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."
