NASCAR Names Wheatley American Vodka Official Vodka in New Multi-Year Partnership Reading Time: 5 mins read One of the fastest-growing vodkas in the United States also becomes Entitlement Partner of the Wheatley Vodka Clash, Which Shifts to Daytona International Speedway in 2027 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 4, 2026) - NASCAR today announced a new multi-year partnership with Wheatley American Vodka, naming the premium American-made spirit the Official Vodka of NASCAR(R). As part of the partnership, Wheatley American Vodka will also become the entitlement partner of The Wheatley Vodka Clash, one of NASCAR's signature annual events that kicks off the season as the first Cup Series exhibition race. As announced today, the annual preseason event will return to Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027. Crafted at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., Wheatley American Vodka is known for its commitment to quality, precision, American craftsmanship - values that closely align with NASCAR's heritage and fan base. "The strongest partnerships are built on authentic connections, and like many of the partnerships we've forged in recent months, Wheatley American Vodka shares the values that have defined NASCAR for generations - from a commitment to craftsmanship and American tradition to creating memorable experiences for our fans," said Jake Krantz, Senior Director of National Sales, NASCAR. "From race weekends to the Wheatley Vodka Clash, this partnership gives us new opportunities to elevate the fan experience while introducing one of America's premier vodka brands to one of the most passionate fan communities in sports." Wheatley American Vodka will hold vodka category rights for marketing and promotion, which will include year-round integration across NASCAR's platforms and marquee events, highlighted by the title sponsorship of The Wheatley Vodka Clash. The partnership will also feature a custom 30-second promotional spot and elevated fan experiences through on-site activations at The Clash. "Wheatley American Vodka was built with a focus on quality, hard work, and bringing people together, making NASCAR a natural fit for our brand," said David Binder, Senior Brand Director, Wheatley American Vodka. "Whether fans are celebrating at the track, gathering with friends to watch the race, attending The Clash, or raising a glass after a memorable weekend, we're proud to become part of those moments and to begin this partnership with one of America's most iconic sports." Finally, as part of the partnership, NASCAR and Wheatley American Vodka will create a program to give back to service members and military veterans. Details around the program will be announced at a later date. About Wheatley American Vodka: Wheatley American Vodka is proudly crafted in America's Heartland at the world's most award-winning distillery. Distilled ten times and triple filtered for an exceptionally smooth, clean taste, Wheatley is made with American grains and distilled by a true heartlander. Delivering high-quality American vodka that consumers are proud to drink and share, Wheatley American Vodka is easy to enjoy in simple mixed drinks like vodka sodas, vodka lemonades and American mules. Wheatley American Vodka is rooted in moments that bring people together, like backyard BBQs, and celebrates the spirit of American craftsmanship. About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 15 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series(TM), NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series(TM), and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series(TM), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association(TM)(IMSA(R) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship(TM), the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA.

NASCAR debuts first Delta Sigma Theta show car designed by one of the sorority's own. Aug 3, 2026 The crimson-and-cream vehicle, created by LSU student and NASCAR intern Camilla Wilkins-Bowens, made its first appearance during the sorority's regional conference in Charlotte. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. rolled into Charlotte with plenty of horsepower this summer. NASCAR unveiled its first-ever show car branded for the historic Black sorority during Delta Sigma Theta's 32nd South Atlantic Regional Conference, held from July 30 through Aug. 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The crimson-and-cream design was more than a nod to one of the nation's most prominent Black Greek-letter organizations. It was also the work of one of Delta's own. Camilla Wilkins-Bowens, a Louisiana State University student and NASCAR NEXT intern, designed the custom vehicle. Wilkins-Bowens was initiated into the Iota Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in fall 2025, according to Watch The Yard. The vehicle featured the sorority's name and Greek letters prominently across its body, transforming a familiar symbol of NASCAR culture into a celebration of sisterhood, service and Black collegiate tradition. A post shared by South Atlantic Region of DST (@sensationalsar) Although the car was not entered into a race, its debut represented NASCAR's first show-car activation created specifically for a Divine Nine organization. Conference attendees were able to view the customized vehicle and try NASCAR racing simulators as part of the interactive experience. For Wilkins-Bowens, the assignment brought together multiple parts of her identity and professional journey. As both a collegiate member of Delta Sigma Theta and an intern working within NASCAR, she had the opportunity to introduce the sorority to a major sports organization through her own creative work. NASCAR describes its NEXT Internship Program as an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain experience while helping shape the future of sports and entertainment. That kind of access matters in an industry where Black professionals have historically been underrepresented both behind the scenes and on the track. NASCAR has operated student and career-development initiatives for more than two decades in an effort to expand pathways into motorsports. Its former NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, launched in 2000, had introduced more than 500 college students to the industry by 2023. Participants have worked with NASCAR as well as teams and organizations including 23XI Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske and Rev Racing. Those programs have helped expose students to careers far beyond driving, including opportunities in marketing, communications, engineering, production, event operations and business development. The Delta Sigma Theta car showed what can happen when one of those students is trusted to create something connected to her own community. Founded in 1913 at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta has long centered public service, educational advancement and civic engagement. Its South Atlantic Region includes chapters throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Bermuda. Thousands of sorority members traveled to Charlotte for the biennial regional conference, placing Wilkins-Bowens' design before an audience uniquely positioned to appreciate both its symbolism and the young woman behind it. The activation also offered NASCAR an opportunity to reach Black women through a partnership rooted in culture rather than simply placing a logo on a product. By allowing a Delta member to design the car herself, the organization put authenticity at the center of the moment. For Wilkins-Bowens, seeing her design displayed during one of her sorority's largest regional gatherings was an early professional achievement few college students can claim. And for the Deltas gathered in Charlotte, the custom car provided one more reason to paint the Queen City crimson and cream. More About:Women Lifestyle Technology Sports Weekly New Episodes Stream Now

NASCAR 26 game: ultimate racing simulation for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. Discover more Download Managers Dictionaries & Encyclopedias Data Management Table of Contents Discover more Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Video Games Introduction. NASCAR fans and racing gamers alike have something exciting to look forward to with the announcement of NASCAR 26, the newest official NASCAR video game. Developed by iRacing Studios in partnership with NASCAR, this game promises to bring the thrill of stock car racing right to your screen. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam, NASCAR 26 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated racing titles this year. The recent release of the official gameplay trailer has fans buzzing, and pre-orders are already open, giving everyone a chance to secure their copy ahead of launch. The source story, which inspired much of this excitement, highlights the fresh gameplay insights revealed by this trailer and how the game plans to take the NASCAR experience to new levels. What's New in NASCAR 26? One of the standout features of NASCAR 26 is the introduction of Dynamic Track Technology. This means that tracks will actually change throughout the race, reflecting wear and tear just like in real life. Imagine strategic tire choices and driving styles altering your tactics because the racing surface isn't the same lap after lap. Another big upgrade is the cross-platform multiplayer feature. Whether you're racing on a console or PC, you can compete with friends and rivals regardless of the platform, breaking down previous limitations and making for a larger, more dynamic player base. Driving physics get a significant boost with improved tire and braking systems. The game now better simulates how tires grip the asphalt and how braking impacts your car's handling, creating a more authentic driving challenge. And after you take that checkered flag, the new burnout celebrations and win animations add a fun, cinematic touch that pumps up the excitement - something casual players and die-hard fans will appreciate alike. To help players sharpen their skills, NASCAR 26 adds a Peak Performance Training Mode. This is a great way for newcomers and veterans to improve laps, learn the tracks, and get comfortable with the enhanced physics before jumping into the heat of multiplayer races. Visually, the game receives polish in lighting, dynamic skies, and replay camera angles, delivering stunning race-day moments that feel immersive and alive. Expanded content and game modes. NASCAR 26 isn't just about realism and new features; it expands its content roster substantially. Players can race in multiple NASCAR divisions, including the NASCAR Cup Series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, the Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series. This breadth means more variety, more competition, and more ways to enjoy the sport's rich hierarchy. Download Managers The game modes also get notable updates. The standalone mode now features The Chase playoff format, allowing players to experience the high stakes and drama of NASCAR's postseason racing. Meanwhile, the career mode steps up with the addition of facilities management and team upgrades. Managing your pit crew and fine-tuning your team's assets add a strategic element beyond just driving. There are also new vehicles and tracks - the Dodge Ram truck makes its debut, along with fresh venues such as Qualcomm Circuit, Chicagoland, and St. Petersburg. These additions cater to fans who love variety and keep gameplay fresh. Gameplay improvements and additional features. Racing against smarter AI opponents is one of the core gameplay improvements. The AI drivers now behave more realistically, making races tougher and more unpredictable - much like real NASCAR events where strategy and split-second decisions can make all the difference. Particle effects like smoke, debris, and rubber buildup take the immersion up a notch. You can visually feel the intensity when tires screech around corners or when a crash leaves debris on the track, something that really enhances the sensory experience. Other neat updates include a new spotter voiceover by Freddie Kraft, who guides you through races with updated driver ratings for accuracy. The game also enforces safety violations and manages DNF (Did Not Finish) mechanics more realistically, which adds to the challenge and authenticity. On the technical side, the Power Package introduces a 750-horsepower car setup. This was designed to mimic the real racecars' feel, making each race pulse with the raw power and speed that fans crave. Computer & Video Games Discover more Action & Platform Games Conclusion. NASCAR 26 looks ready to set a new standard for NASCAR simulation games. Building on its predecessors, it delivers a suite of improvements designed to enhance realism, competition, and fan engagement. NASCAR Vice President Nick Rend has highlighted how this game reflects extensive fan feedback and a commitment to authenticity, which really shows in every gameplay detail. If you're passionate about racing or just curious about the latest in sports gaming, checking out the official gameplay trailer is a must. And if the features and modes Helpful Info For You has covered get your heart racing, pre-ordering NASCAR 26 might be the perfect move. With its in-depth content, technical polish, and immersive features, NASCAR 26 aims to be the most complete NASCAR racing game ever made - delivering an experience that's both authentic to the sport and fun to play. Whether you're burning rubber on the track or strategizing your way through a season, this game promises to have something for every racing enthusiast. Last updated on July 31, 2026