Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge have entered into a landmark partnership with the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, preparing to feature the “Indy25” logo on Carson Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevrolet ZL1 during the highly anticipated NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. This collaboration aims to promote the upcoming AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 event, which will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, blending two iconic American sports and amplifying their collective reach and impact.
This year, the spotlight will turn to Indianapolis as Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the Indiana Fever, hosts the 21st edition of the WNBA All-Star Game alongside the STARRY 3-Point Contest and the WNBA Skills Challenge, set for July 18 and 19. The vibrant partnership promises to bring national attention to women’s basketball, while seamlessly tying it to the energy of NASCAR’s highly celebrated All-Star Race festivities in North Carolina.
“Carson driving a WNBA All-Star paint scheme is an opportunity to cross promote two properties in our sponsorship portfolio,”
stated Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation at Gainbridge.
“The scheme highlights our commitment to investing in women’s sports and we look forward to welcoming the best of the WNBA to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in two months.”
As the home of the Indiana Fever stands ready to welcome basketball’s brightest stars to Indianapolis for the first WNBA All-Star Game in the city’s history, North Wilkesboro Speedway is honoring its own legacy as NASCAR’s All-Star event takes over the historic North Carolina venue. Both the WNBA All-Star Game and NASCAR’s All-Star Race have storied traditions of showcasing the highest level of competition in their respective sports, making this partnership between Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge especially fitting for such a momentous occasion.
North Wilkesboro Speedway, originally constructed in 1946 by Enoch Staley for whiskey runners, quickly became a mainstay in the world of professional stock car racing. Hosting 93 Cup Series races since 1949, the venue has built a reputation as a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The track’s rich history is punctuated by memorable showdowns, including the legendary 1996 Cup Series battle where Jeff Gordon narrowly edged out Dale Earnhardt, signifying the end of an era before a 25-year pause on races at the beloved oval.
The return of NASCAR’s All-Star weekend to North Wilkesboro in 2023 was met with excitement and nostalgia, rejuvenating a venue deeply woven into the fabric of American motorsport. Much like NASCAR, the WNBA All-Star Game has been known to shift locations, proportionally raising both prestige and visibility wherever it lands. The convergence of these moving traditions through Spire Motorsports’ involvement infuses renewed energy into both sporting communities, allowing each to reach wider, more diverse audiences.
For Carson Hocevar, the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, the All-Star Race carries personal significance. Reflecting on his introduction to All-Star festivities just a year ago—where he started and finished 10th in the All-Star Open qualifying race—Hocevar emerged as a bright talent and a symbol of determination. Last season, he clinched a coveted third-place finish at Watkins Glen International and recently secured his first Cup Series pole award at Texas Motor Speedway, reinforcing his continued growth and potential.
“It’s really cool to showcase the WNBA All-Star Game on our car for the NASCAR All-Star Weekend,”
said Hocevar. “I had the chance to visit Gainbridge Fieldhouse in January and it’s definitely worthy of hosting the game. The Indiana Fever have a really dedicated fanbase and Indianapolis is such a big market for basketball.
“We see it when we visit Indianapolis every year – the community is so welcoming, and they’re very proud of their sports teams. Gainbridge has been a great partner for Spire Motorsports and done a lot to promote and expand women’s sports, so it’s exciting to see that support open new doors for those teams and athletes.”
Mel Raines, Chair of the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee and CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, also emphasized the importance of this cross-sport partnership.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge to highlight AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 during NASCAR’s All-Star Race,”
said Raines.
“We hope to connect with new audiences and fans while continuing to build excitement for the much-anticipated WNBA All-Star weekend at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis this summer.”
Hocevar’s participation in this weekend’s All-Star Open means another opportunity to race his way into the flagship event. Only two drivers in the Open will secure their spot through on-track performance, while a third will advance via the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote, raising the stakes for competitors and fans alike. The weekend’s journey begins with Friday’s qualifying rounds, where drivers from both the All-Star Race and the Open will compete in three timed laps with a mandatory four-tire pit stop, determining the field for subsequent heat races.
The intensity will continue Saturday as 60-lap heat races determine the final starting order for the All-Star Race. All eyes will be on Hocevar and the distinctive No. 77 car, which serves as both a beacon for Spire Motorsports and a tribute to the powerful message of unity between motorsports and women’s basketball. The visual impact of the WNBA All-Star 2025 logo adorning the vehicle will not only heighten anticipation for Indianapolis’s summer showcase but also symbolize an evolving era of collaborative sports promotion.
Fans can catch all the live action as NASCAR’s All-Star Race airs Sunday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. EDT on FS1, with comprehensive radio coverage on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Preliminary events, including heat races, will be broadcast on FS2 Saturday, May 17 starting at 5 p.m. EDT, ensuring that audiences nationwide have multiple ways to tune in and witness the intersection of two beloved sports.
This bold partnership signals a broader commitment from both Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge to celebrate and invest in the growth of women’s sports, while also honoring the enduring appeal and historical significance of American motorsport. The collaboration serves as a dynamic example of how organizations can harness their platforms to elevate one another and engage with fans in new, meaningful ways.
As July’s WNBA All-Star festivities approach, the momentum generated by this Spire Motorsports initiative is poised to continue building, potentially opening doors for similar collaborations in the future. By effectively linking the excitement of NASCAR’s All-Star Race with the promise of Indianapolis’s upcoming basketball spectacle, both organizations are demonstrating a forward-thinking vision that has the power to inspire, unite, and energize sports communities across the country.
Ultimately, the partnership not only showcases the efforts of Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge, but also stands as a testament to the progress being made in recognizing the importance of women’s athletics on a national stage. As thousands of racing fans turn their attention to North Wilkesboro, and as basketball enthusiasts gear up for July, the symbolic union promises to leave a lasting impression, reflecting the evolving dynamics of American sports culture and the boundless possibilities that come from strategic collaboration.
