NASCAR is heading to Chicago for its street race this coming weekend. In the lead-up to the event, race sponsor Arby’s has announced a new promotional campaign. Included in the new strategy is a primary partnership with Rick Ware Racing.
Cody Ware will compete in the Grant Park 165 around the Chicago street course in the No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing, which will feature a red-and-white Arby’s design.
The trophy for the event has also been created by the drive-thru restaurant brand.
On top of that, the strategy will introduce new track signage, on-air sponsorship, and onsite experiential displays. Arby’s is also taking the opportunity to alter its menu, introducing the new Angus Cheesesteak Sandwich.
“The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is a marquee moment for Arby’s, and we’re proud to use this event to highlight our new Angus Cheesesteaks,” explained chief marketing officer of Arby’s Jeff Baker.
Cody Ware, Rick Ware Racing Ford
Photo by: Logan Riely / Getty Images
“With a Cheesesteak giveaway and a full track takeover, this activation reflects our fandom and enthusiasm for racing. Our new Cheesesteaks are packed with bold flavour and we’re excited to introduce them in a way only Arby’s can.”
The Chicago street race first joined the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023. However, its current contract expires at the end of this season. Steve O’Donnell cast doubt on the future of the event while speaking to the media at the end of 2024. “For us, we’re just looking at 2025,” he said at the time.
“It’ll be the third year of a three-year run, and each year we’ve wanted to build upon the momentum that we have. We’ve learned things each and every year — it’s our first street race, a lot of learnings came from that.”
He added, “[There are] a number of folks who are interested at looking at NASCAR from a street race [perspective]. We are certainly interested in California and the Southern California market, and that will continue to be a focus for us, but nothing to confirm at this point.”
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