Ross Chastain secured the highly prized Busch Light sponsorship following Kevin Harvick’s retirement from NASCAR after the 2023 season, marking a major shift for both Trackhouse Racing and the Anheuser-Busch brand. Chastain’s own enthusiasm for Busch Light, combined with his strategic approach, played a crucial role in winning over the sponsor for the 2024 Cup Series, helping the No. 1 Chevrolet don the familiar white and blue livery.
Chastain Capitalizes on Harvick’s Departure to Secure Sponsorship
Anheuser-Busch and its Busch Light brand have been major backers in NASCAR for years, with Kevin Harvick being their iconic representative since 2014. Harvick’s retirement at the end of the 2023 season left a coveted sponsorship opportunity open, prompting a focused search for a worthy successor. Trackhouse Racing identified this gap, with Ross Chastain actively pursuing the deal by showcasing his genuine affinity for the brand and capitalizing on Harvick’s planned exit. The dynamic driver made it clear that his connection to Busch Light existed long before any business arrangement, which gave him a natural advantage in discussions with the sponsorship team.
“We wanted Busch Light. We knew Kevin Harvick was retiring, and we wanted to make our case to him. I drank Busch Light before they sponsored me. I was going to drink it whether they sponsored me or not. So, that made the first conversation really easy.”
— Ross Chastain via NASCAR on YouTube
Chastain’s authenticity and history as a Busch Light fan positioned him as a compelling choice for Anheuser-Busch. With Trackhouse’s determined effort, the company felt confident in handing the sponsorship baton from Harvick to Chastain, viewing the Florida native’s appeal as a springboard for a fresh marketing approach. As a result, Chastain’s No. 1 Chevy now proudly displays the Busch Light brand for fans and viewers nationwide in the current NASCAR season.
Deep Meaning Behind the Partnership
The relationship between Ross Chastain and Busch Light extends well beyond signage and paint schemes; it reflects shared values and mutual appreciation. Chastain, speaking during the partnership’s public launch ahead of the 2024 NASCAR season, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the alignment between the brand and his personal values. He celebrated not only the support that Busch Light has long provided to the sport of NASCAR but also its outreach to everyday Americans—a connection he felt especially passionate about.
“This sponsorship means so much to me as the brand not only supports NASCAR, but also places value and extends their support to communities that are close to my heart—the humble, hard-working people across the U.S. who enjoy cracking a cold one after an honest day’s work.”
— Ross Chastain said during the sponsorship announcement
This emotion-filled statement underscores Chastain’s commitment—both on and off the track—to championing the fans and communities at the core of NASCAR culture. By highlighting the bond between the hardworking population and the Busch Light brand, Chastain aims to further strengthen this relationship, seeing his role as more than just a sponsorship representative, but as an advocate for the fans who power the sport week after week.
Chastain Sets His Sights on New Travel Adventures With Teammates
The energy and openness that Ross Chastain displays in his career extends to his personal interests as well, particularly when it comes to travel. During a lighthearted discussion on NASCAR’s YouTube channel, Chastain shared that while he once dreamed of visiting Australia, a new friendship has inspired him to shift his travel ambitions to New Zealand. This change is a direct result of his growing rapport with teammate Shane van Gisbergen, a celebrated Kiwi driver and three-time Supercars champion.
“I think, well, I would like to go to Australia — that was always my goal — but now maybe New Zealand. So, I’ve told Shane I want to come visit him this off-season.”
— Ross Chastain said
Chastain’s desire to explore New Zealand highlights the camaraderie within the Trackhouse Racing team, as he hopes to visit van Gisbergen’s native homeland during the off-season. He openly admitted his unfamiliarity with the finer points of Southern Hemisphere geography and looked forward to getting a personal tour with the help of his teammate.
“I don’t know if we’ll actually pull the trigger on it, but I want to do it. I don’t really know the difference between Australia and New Zealand, so I told Shane to show me the ways over there.”
— Ross Chastain added
The possibility of such an international trip has generated excitement within the team, with speculation that Trackhouse Racing could turn it into a memorable team-building opportunity. The inclusion of other teammates, such as Conor Zilisch, has also been floated, opening the door for the trip to serve as both a bonding experience and a creative content opportunity for the brand and its fans.
Looking Forward: The Significance of Chastain’s New Role
Ross Chastain’s acquisition of the Busch Light sponsorship marks a significant milestone for both the driver and Trackhouse Racing. By merging his professional goals with authentic personal connections to the brand, Chastain has reignited enthusiasm among fans and signaled a new chapter for Anheuser-Busch in NASCAR. The partnership underscores the importance of aligning sponsorships with genuine personalities, and it promises to keep Chastain and the Busch Light name at the forefront of NASCAR culture for the foreseeable future.
