NASCAR and USA Luge Announce Partnership for 2026 Winter Olympics

The racing organization will provide financial and technical resources to the U.S. luge team ahead of the Milan-Cortina Games.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:39pm

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NASCAR and USA Luge have announced a new, long-term partnership leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. NASCAR will provide financial and technical resources to USA Luge, including assistance with aerodynamic optimization of sleds and equipment, as well as opportunities for athlete appearances and fan engagement.

Why it matters

The partnership between NASCAR and USA Luge brings together two high-speed, adrenaline-fueled sports that share a passion for representing the United States on the world stage. The technical expertise and resources that NASCAR can provide are expected to help USA Luge develop the fastest sleds possible for the 2026 Winter Games.

The details

Under the new agreement, NASCAR will provide financial support to USA Luge and collaborate on technical innovations. This includes using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing to optimize the aerodynamics of luge sleds and equipment. NASCAR will also have a presence at the USA Luge Fantasy Camp and through athlete appearances wearing NASCAR branding.

  • The partnership was announced on January 28, 2026.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will take place from February 4-23, 2026.
  • The luge events at the 2026 Winter Olympics will begin with training runs on February 4 and the first competitions on February 7.

The players

NASCAR

The premier stock car racing series in the United States.

USA Luge

The organization in charge of luge in the United States and responsible for training and sending the U.S. luge team to the Olympic Games.

Dr. Eric Jacuzzi

NASCAR's vice president of vehicle performance.

Scott Riewald

The CEO of USA Luge.

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What they’re saying

“At NASCAR, innovation and performance are part of our DNA, and this partnership with USA Luge is a powerful example of how that expertise can extend beyond the racetrack. From aerodynamics and engineering to fan engagement and athlete support, we're proud to collaborate with an organization that shares our passion for speed, precision and representing the USA on the world stage.”

— Dr. Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR Vice President of Vehicle Performance

“We couldn't be happier about the opportunity to partner with NASCAR. We align in so many areas – speed, adrenaline, high-tech equipment, representing the USA – that it only makes sense to come together in a relationship like this. NASCAR has so much experience and expertise around aerodynamics, fabrication, and materials that we believe, when combined with the knowledge of our staff, will help USA Luge develop the fastest sleds in the world. On top of that, I can't think of two other entities – NASCAR and Olympic sport – that shout 'USA.' We have already seen benefits in the short time we've worked together, and we are excited about what the future holds for USA Luge and NASCAR.”

— Scott Riewald, CEO, USA Luge

What’s next

Several members of the NASCAR team scanned numerous USA Luge athletes as the starting point in the program during the Park City World Cup in December 2025. The partnership is expected to continue through the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

The takeaway

This partnership between NASCAR and USA Luge showcases how high-performance sports can collaborate to drive innovation and push the boundaries of what's possible. By combining NASCAR's expertise in aerodynamics and engineering with USA Luge's Olympic ambitions, the two organizations aim to give the U.S. luge team the best possible equipment and support to succeed on the world stage.