Get ready to ride the ‘Dente again, folks. On Tuesday, Chili’s Grill & Bar announced that it will once again serve as a primary sponsorship partner for Carson Hocevar and the No. 77 Spire Motorsports team during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, and that the brand has agreed to a multi-year extension with the driver and team.
The brand is bringing a new black, red, and white “Ride the ‘Dente” paint scheme to the track in this weekend’s DuraMax Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Turn this fan-favorite scheme dark.
?: https://t.co/SwKnCaYJtX pic.twitter.com/eLqIHtXfZX
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) February 24, 2026
Hocevar feels Chili’s, which set the bar last year with its paint scheme and firesuit combination, has found a way to surpass the look this season.
“Chili’s set the bar last year with the Ride the ‘Dente scheme and firesuit,” said Hocevar. “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.”
Chili’s loved seeing NASCAR fans rally around the “Ride the ‘Dente” advertising campaign last season, and wanted to bring back an intimidating look to the car for the 2026 season as Hocevar continues to assert himself as one of the most aggressive drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series garage.
“We love how fans have taken the campaign and made it a rallying cry for hard racing or a way to say they’re headed to Chili’s for margs and Triple Dippers,” said Chili’s Director of Media, Tim Forman. “This year, we’re making a few updates, starting with an intimidating black-and-white design and black suit, to reflect the mentality Carson brings to the track and give fans another reason to yell or post ‘Ride the Dente’.”
Hocevar, who was in the thick of the hunt for the race win last Sunday at EchoPark Speedway, is continuing to zero in on his first career NASCAR Cup Series win. This weekend’s race will mark the driver’s 84th career start in NASCAR’s premier division.
The DuraMax Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, and will be televised on FOX with television coverage set to kick off at 3:30 PM ET. The Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide the radio broadcast of the event.
