On Thursday morning, the world lost Hulk Hogan—one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history. Known for his charisma and unmatched persona, Hogan died of cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71. The WWE Hall of Famer’s death comes weeks after rumors denied by family and reps claimed he was on his deathbed. While best remembered for transforming pro wrestling, Hogan also made a mark in NASCAR through sponsorships, brand deals, and grand marshal appearances.
Key Highlights
Hulk Hogan passed away at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest on Thursday morning in Clearwater, Florida.
Widely credited for professional wrestling’s boom in the 1980s, Hogan was a multi-time WWE Champion and global icon.
Though not a driver, Hogan had multiple NASCAR crossover moments—from sponsorships to grand marshal roles.
His most notable involvement came in 1995, when his WCW brand partnered with Richard Petty Motorsports.
Hogan’s Real American Beer brand also sponsored an Xfinity Series car in recent years.
The Man Behind the Mustache
Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea wasn’t just a wrestler. He was the face of an era and a pop culture force. With his yellow bandanas, massive frame, and legendary mustache, Hogan brought theatrical charisma and muscle-bound showmanship to the mainstream. He defined the WWF boom of the 1980s, where his matches at WrestleMania and appearances in film and television made him a household name. His ability to captivate fans went far beyond wrestling arenas. His crossover appeal made him a constant fixture in media and entertainment—and NASCAR was no exception.
“Whatcha gonna do, brother?”
He stood at the intersection of sports and spectacle, an entertainer who could energize any audience. Even when not competing, Hogan’s larger-than-life image brought an unmatched electricity to events. His ventures beyond the ring weren’t accidental; they were part of a deliberate effort to expand the reach of Hulkamania.
WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
Hulk Hogan’s NASCAR Involvement
Hulk Hogan’s first major NASCAR moment came in 1995 when World Championship Wrestling, the organization he headlined at the time, entered a marketing partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports. The WCW-backed car, driven by Rodney Combs in the NASCAR Busch Series, wore bold Hulkamania branding on its paint scheme. The collaboration was an ambitious attempt to fuse the passionate fanbases of wrestling and stock car racing.
Combs didn’t score a win that year but captured three top-10 finishes. The sponsorship drew media attention and fan curiosity, offering a new promotional outlet for both WCW and NASCAR. It showcased how Hogan’s presence—even in branding—could amplify visibility in arenas far removed from the squared circle.
Years later, Hogan returned to the track in a ceremonial role. In 2004, he served as the grand marshal for the Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Two years later, he reprised that role at Dover International Speedway, delivering his iconic “start your engines” command with the theatrical flair that defined his career.
“Drivers, start your engines!” – Hulk Hogan at Daytona, 2004
RIP Hulk Hogan pic.twitter.com/x9xkMAQjSY
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) July 24, 2025
These appearances weren’t random celebrity cameos. Hogan brought entertainment energy to NASCAR events, helping attract a more diverse audience. He made stock car racing a little louder, a little brighter, and just a bit more theatrical—without taking away from its competitive core.
Real American Beer and the Xfinity Series
In his later years, Hogan extended his NASCAR connection through sponsorships tied to his Real American Beer brand. The product, marketed to fans of both wrestling and Americana, appeared on the No. 07 car of Mason Massey in the Xfinity Series. The deal came through a collaboration between SS Greenlight Racing and Fan-Controlled Sports, putting Hogan’s name back in headlines within the racing world.
Though it wasn’t a front-running car, the sponsorship again demonstrated Hogan’s draw. It underscored his ability to remain culturally relevant across generations. Younger fans saw the name; older fans remembered the voice and the persona. Once again, he was part of the action—even if only through the hood of a race car.
Hogan never suited up in a fireproof suit or climbed behind the wheel of a stock car, but his fingerprints are on several memorable NASCAR moments. He used his fame and image to bring light to a different sport, while NASCAR welcomed the exposure and energy.
News in Brief: When Hulk Hogan Crossed Paths with NASCAR
Hulk Hogan, one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling, passed away at 71 following a cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida. While best known for his contributions to the wrestling world, Hogan had several crossover moments with NASCAR. These included a 1995 sponsorship of Rodney Combs in the Busch Series via WCW, grand marshal appearances at Daytona and Dover, and a recent partnership between his Real American Beer brand and Mason Massey’s Xfinity Series car. Though not a racer himself, Hogan’s star power helped elevate NASCAR events during key crossover efforts. Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan—your energy will live on in both rings and racetracks.
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