Wendy's Returns to Trackhouse Racing for Third Season

Fast-food chain to sponsor all three Trackhouse Cup Series entries in 2026

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Wendy's, the globally recognized fast-food chain, is continuing its partnership with NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing. The brand will serve as a primary sponsor for all three of Trackhouse's full-time entries in 2026, driven by Ross Chastain, rookie Connor Zilisch, and Shane Van Gisbergen.

Why it matters

Wendy's has been a long-time supporter of NASCAR and its partnership with the up-and-coming Trackhouse Racing team highlights the brand's commitment to the sport. This deal also provides valuable exposure for Wendy's as it looks to connect with motorsports fans across the country.

The details

Wendy's will begin its on-track program with Trackhouse Racing at the second event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway) on February 22, where the brand will sponsor Ross Chastain and the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch will carry the Wendy's colors on his No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, while six-time race-winner Shane Van Gisbergen will have the Wendy's brand on his No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during the prestigious Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26.

  • Wendy's will begin its on-track program with Trackhouse Racing at the second event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway) on February 22.
  • NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch will carry the Wendy's colors on his No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8.
  • Six-time race-winner Shane Van Gisbergen will have the Wendy's brand on his No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during the prestigious Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26.

The players

Wendy's

A globally recognized fast-food chain known for its square hamburger patties.

Trackhouse Racing

A NASCAR Cup Series operation that will field three full-time entries in 2026, driven by Ross Chastain, rookie Connor Zilisch, and Shane Van Gisbergen.

Ross Chastain

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who will pilot the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing in 2026.

Connor Zilisch

A NASCAR Cup Series rookie who will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing in 2026.

Shane Van Gisbergen

A six-time race-winner in the NASCAR Cup Series who will drive the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“At Wendy's, we put the customer first and deliver excellence every single day. Our partnership with Trackhouse Racing is a perfect extension of that commitment, bringing the same winning energy to the track that we bring to our fans every day in restaurants nationwide.”

— Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy's (si.com)

“There's nothing better than rolling through the Wendy's drive-thru and grabbing a Baconator. I'm happy to see them back on our cars this year and looking forward to getting them into Victory Lane.”

— Ross Chastain (si.com)

“Wendy's has been a big part of my NASCAR journey since I came to the United States. To have such a popular restaurant brand support me has been special. Wendy's is my go-to spot when gearing up for race weekends. After all, nothing tastes better than a Wendy's Frosty when my team and I have had a long day at the track.”

— Shane Van Gisbergen (si.com)

What’s next

In addition to its on-track activation throughout the year, Wendy's will also have an off-track activation at Daytona International Speedway, where its restaurant is located just outside the speedway. The restaurant will be serving up food, plus exclusive limited-edition swag and a drive-thru racecar experience for motorsports fans attending the DAYTONA 500.

The takeaway

Wendy's long-standing partnership with NASCAR and its support of the up-and-coming Trackhouse Racing team demonstrates the brand's commitment to connecting with motorsports fans across the country. This deal provides valuable exposure for Wendy's as it looks to further establish itself as a go-to destination for race fans before, during, and after events.