Mahindra Ag North America will join Stewart-Haas Racing and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of The Year Chase Briscoe, as an anchor partner on the No. 14 Ford Mustang in 2022.
The multi-year partnership will see Mahindra Tractors – the No. 1 selling farm tractor company in the world, based on volumes across all company brands — adorn the Stewart-Haas Racing entry in the majority of NASCAR Cup Series events next season, beginning with the Busch Light Clash, and continuing with the Daytona 500.
“NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing and Mahindra’s shared values form a strong platform for us to connect with existing and potential customers. Our partnership with SHR provides an opportunity to tell our story to the wide audience of NASCAR fans who enjoy the outdoors and working their land,” said Viren Popli, President and CEO, Mahindra Ag North America and Mahindra Automotive North America.
“Chase Briscoe and Tony Stewart are relatable men of great character who have worked hard to get where they are today. Like our dealers, they have a tough work ethic and the drive to be successful. We are proud to have them representing the brand. In fact, Tony is already a Mahindra owner and has been putting his 5145 tractor to good use on his ranch in Indiana,” Popli added.
Briscoe – who competed in his first full-time season at NASCAR’s top-level — will look to capture his first career victory with the brand on-board his Ford Mustang, after opportunities to secure the achievement slipped through his fingers.
“The NASCAR Cup Series is the toughest racing I’ve ever been a part of. It’s so competitive,” Briscoe said. “I learned so much this year and I really can’t wait to apply it all next season.
“I’m incredibly honored to represent Mahindra Tractors and all of its dealers. We both want to continue to grow and perform – me on the racetrack and Mahindra in the marketplace. It’s a true partnership that’s valuable to both of us.”
Prior to racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, Briscoe competed for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he was able to win a series-high nine events in 2020, but failed to capture the championship despite an appearance in the Championship 4.
“Chase has earned his spot in the Cup Series,” said Stewart, a fellow Hoosier from Columbus, Indiana, who lives on a 414-acre spread. “He was relentless. Anytime he was challenged, he never backed down, and that’s the way you to have to be at this level.
“Chase is just a really hard worker. He’s earned everything that’s come his way and then made the most of each opportunity. That’s what has always impressed me about him, and I think that’s what impressed Mahindra Tractors. They’re a really good fit. This is a very rewarding partnership and I’m proud to be a Mahindra customer.”
Briscoe is a third-generation racer whose career began early on the dirt tracks around Indiana. Stewart raced with Briscoe’s father, Kevin, in USAC sprint cars and in non-wing cars, and has watched Chase come through the ranks in the same manner as he did, progressing to NASCAR through the ARCA Menards Series.
“When it comes to the 14 car, I obviously have a passion for having dirt drivers behind the wheel,” Stewart said. “It’s special, but also practical. With the lower horsepower package they have in the Cup Series, you have to run these cars a lot freer, and I think that suits a driver with a dirt background.”
On top of the NASCAR sponsorship, Mahindra will also back Briscoe in his effort at the 36th annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, with the company serving as the primary sponsor of his No. 5 entry.
“Dirt-track racing makes me a better Cup Series driver,” said Briscoe, who will make his eighth Chili Bowl appearance in 2022. “It forces you to adapt. You have to run different lines to get the most out of your car and you have to do it quickly.
“When I won my first Xfinity Series race on the Roval at Charlotte, I drove it like a dirt track. I made sure to not spin the rear tires to where I was good at the end of a run. Running the Chili Bowl is fun, but it also keeps you sharp. It’ll be a great way to kick off our first season with Mahindra Tractors.”
