A NASCAR insider has verified that starting with the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, the rear windshields on the cars will display manufacturer branding instead of the driver’s last name. This adjustment marks a departure from the current setup where driver names are shown on the rear windshield banners, with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) logos exclusively on the front windshield since 2013.
Details Behind the Shift to Manufacturer Logos
The earliest glimpse of this update came with Lionel’s release of the diecast render for Christopher Bell’s 2026 No. 20 DeWalt Toyota Camry. Fans noticed the rear banner no longer having the driver’s name, which prompted widespread speculation.
Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports confirmed this change, stating,
“Yes. Manufacturer branding on the rear window next year instead of driver name.”
This modification aligns the rear windshield branding in the Cup Series with the front windshield’s focus on OEM identification, signaling a new approach to branding on NASCAR vehicles.
Implications and Questions Surrounding the Change
While this alteration is mostly cosmetic and is not expected to influence the racing action itself, it adds another chapter to the evolving style of windshield banners, which have gone through several revisions since their introduction in 2013. The frequency of these updates—in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, and now 2026—reflects ongoing adjustments in NASCAR’s presentation and marketing strategies.
It remains uncertain whether the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series will adopt similar rear windshield branding changes, as their banner formats currently differ slightly from those in the Cup Series.
Fan Reactions and Next Steps
This update has sparked curiosity among fans, with many debating the impact and aesthetics of replacing the driver’s name with manufacturer logos. Discussions continue across social platforms like Discord and X, where followers express a range of opinions on the change.
With the 2026 season approaching, this branding switch will be a visible sign of NASCAR’s shifting priorities regarding car presentation, offering manufacturers more prominent recognition and possibly influencing how drivers’ visibility is balanced with corporate branding on the track.
Yes. Manufacturer branding on the rear window next year instead of driver name. https://t.co/93ENe2MiYw
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 26, 2025
