Mission Foods is strengthening its ties with Watkins Glen International, expanding its NASCAR presence ahead of a packed August weekend at the historic New York road course. The Mexican food company has been announced as the entitlement sponsor for both the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races, ensuring fans will see the Mission 176 and Mission 200 at The Glen headline the action. With a former Truck Series champion serving as Grand Marshal, the weekend is shaping up to deliver both racing excitement and off-track fan experiences.
Key Highlights
Mission Foods named entitlement partner for the NASCAR Truck Series Mission 176 at Watkins Glen.
The partnership expands on Mission’s title sponsorship of the Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen.
Todd Bodine, two-time Truck Series champion, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Mission 176.
Watkins Glen International celebrates growing ties with Mission Foods through hospitality and fan engagement.
The multi-year deal marks Mission Foods’ first major NASCAR sponsorship, deepening its presence in motorsports.
Mission Foods Expands NASCAR Partnership at Watkins Glen
Mission Foods has officially doubled down on its NASCAR involvement, expanding its partnership with Watkins Glen International to include title sponsorship of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. The event, now called the Mission 176 at The Glen, joins the already established Mission 200 Xfinity Series race on the same weekend, giving the tortilla manufacturer dual branding rights at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious road courses.
Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew highlighted the partnership’s importance to both parties, emphasizing how the collaboration aligns with the spirit of the venue.
“Mission Foods has been an incredible partner to us at The Glen, so expanding that partnership into the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race felt like the perfect move. Both Mission Foods and Watkins Glen are all about bringing people together, whether it’s through food or racing, and we’re honored to have them as part of our race weekends.” – Dawn Burlew
In addition to race naming rights, Mission Foods maintains its branding presence through the Mission Foods Party Deck, a dedicated hospitality area overlooking the iconic Esses section of the track. The expanded deal continues the multi-year agreement that introduced Mission Foods to NASCAR fans last year, marking a significant step for the company’s motorsports marketing efforts.
Todd Bodine Named Grand Marshal for Mission 176
Two-time NASCAR Truck Series champion Todd Bodine will serve as Grand Marshal for Friday’s Mission 176 at The Glen, adding star power and nostalgia to the inaugural Truck Series race under the Mission Foods banner. Known as “The Onion” among fans, Bodine’s return to Watkins Glen in this honorary role reflects his deep connection to the sport and the venue.
His presence adds a layer of celebration to the partnership, bridging past Truck Series success with a new chapter in sponsorship at the track. As part of race weekend festivities, Bodine’s participation underscores the strong heritage of NASCAR’s truck division and its significance to fans attending the event.
Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez expressed pride in aligning the brand with such a storied NASCAR figure while reinforcing the company’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience.
“We’re proud to serve as title sponsor for both the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Watkins Glen International. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering memorable experiences, creating meaningful connections with fans, and celebrating the high-energy spirit of NASCAR weekend at The Glen.” – Juan Gonzalez
A Full Weekend of NASCAR Action at The Glen
The expanded Mission Foods partnership sets the stage for a thrilling three-day racing festival at Watkins Glen International. The weekend kicks off on Friday, Aug. 8 with the ARCA Menards General Tire 100 at The Glen before the trucks take to the track later that afternoon for the first-ever Mission 176. Saturday, Aug. 9, the NASCAR Xfinity Series runs the Mission 200, continuing Mission’s title sponsorship presence.
The weekend culminates on Sunday, Aug. 10, when the NASCAR Cup Series competes in the Go Bowling at The Glen, closing out a marquee road course event for stock car racing’s top level. Mission Foods’ entry into NASCAR began as a first-time sponsorship for Watkins Glen in 2023.
With roots in a small Los Angeles tortilla factory, the brand has grown into the top tortilla manufacturer in the U.S., with a global reach across multiple continents. Its continued investment in Watkins Glen shows a commitment to NASCAR’s passionate fan base, as well as the potential to build lasting connections through motorsport partnerships.
Watkins Glen International, long regarded as one of NASCAR’s most scenic and challenging road courses, provides the perfect backdrop for Mission’s expanded role. The combination of iconic racing and authentic food branding reflects a shared goal: bringing fans closer to the sport they love while delivering unforgettable experiences both on and off the track.
News in Brief: Mission Foods NASCAR Watkins Glen Partnership
Mission Foods has expanded its Watkins Glen International partnership, taking on title sponsorship for both the NASCAR Truck Series Mission 176 and the Xfinity Series Mission 200. Todd Bodine will serve as Grand Marshal for Friday’s truck race, adding a legendary touch to the weekend festivities. The multi-year agreement marks Mission Foods’ second year in NASCAR sponsorship, growing its presence in motorsports while enhancing fan experiences at The Glen.
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