In 2026, global analytics software leader FICO is partnering again with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) to enhance financial literacy and credit education across NASCAR’s fan base. This collaboration will feature two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch driving the No. 8 FICO Chevrolet at notable events, beginning with the Cook Out 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, March 29, broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
Using NASCAR Celebrity Influence to Highlight Financial Knowledge
Mike Verlander, president of Richard Childress Racing, expressed enthusiasm about renewing the partnership, emphasizing the value of Kyle Busch’s popularity combined with RCR’s reputation to advance financial literacy among race fans. Millions of NASCAR enthusiasts nationwide face important decisions involving money management, credit, and financial planning. FICO, RCR, and Busch are dedicated to equipping this community with resources to help them achieve financial independence in areas such as education funding, home and vehicle purchases, and entrepreneurship.
We welcome FICO back to RCR and look forward to utilizing the star power of Kyle Busch and the brand recognition of RCR to help highlight the importance of financial literacy to race fans,
said Mike Verlander, president of Richard Childress Racing.
A well-rounded understanding of financial literacy is important and I look forward to working with FICO to help our fans across the country deepen their knowledge and achieve financial independence,
said Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Champion.
Through their credit educational resources, I look forward to helping give NASCAR fans from all walks of like access to financial tools to help them across every phase of life.
Multi-Race Campaign to Educate and Empower NASCAR Fans
This partnership spans several races during the season, with Busch driving the FICO-sponsored car at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26 and the Cup Series’ Chase race at Phoenix Raceway on October 18. The campaign is designed to engage fans through various touchpoints, offering practical advice and stressing the importance of understanding credit to make better financial choices.
At the Phoenix event, FICO plans to host a complimentary Score A Better Future® (SABF) workshop, where credit experts will break down how FICO Scores affect lending, explain the key factors driving those scores, and provide tools to improve financial knowledge. Details about this educational offering will be made available on FICO’s website soon.
FICO’s Commitment to Accessible Credit Education Resources
Nikhil Behl, president of software at FICO, highlighted the importance of this initiative, underscoring the necessity for people to understand their credit scores and how they impact financial opportunities. He affirmed the company’s goal of inspiring NASCAR fans to take control of their financial futures by utilizing FICO’s free educational materials.
We look forward to working with RCR and Kyle Busch again to inspire NASCAR fans nationwide to take advantage of our free financial and credit education resources and put themselves in the driver’s seat of their financial future,
said Nikhil Behl, president of software at FICO.
It is essential for people to understand their FICO Score and the factors that influence it.
The FICO® Score plays a key role in lending decisions across personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, being used by 90% of major U.S. lenders. Beyond the Score A Better Future program, FICO offers tools such as the myFICO® platform, which allows consumers to monitor their credit scores for free through a website and mobile app, along with educational content to help users better comprehend their credit health.
Potential Impact on NASCAR Fans and Broader Community
This renewed alliance between Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing, and FICO represents a meaningful effort to increase financial literacy in the motorsports community and beyond. By providing accessible credit education and launching multiple engagements over the racing season, the partnership aims to empower fans to make more informed decisions that can improve their financial well-being. With high visibility at major NASCAR events and expert-led workshops on offer, many individuals have the opportunity to strengthen their money management skills while engaging with a beloved sport.
