Ricky Stenhouse Jr. honors Hulk Hogan with a special Hulkamania-themed car for the upcoming NASCAR race at Watkins Glen, New York, offering a heartfelt tribute to the wrestling legend’s lasting connection with motorsports. The design celebrates Hogan’s iconic persona just weeks after his recent passing, infusing the spirit of professional wrestling into the fast-paced world of stock car racing.
Stenhouse Jr.’s Tribute at Watkins Glen
Stenhouse Jr., representing Hyak Motorsports in the No. 47 Chevrolet, will showcase a car featuring bold red, white, and blue hues, echoing Hulk Hogan’s memorable wrestling persona. The vehicle will prominently display a “HULKMANIA Forever” design, integrating visual cues such as a sticker of Hogan tearing his shirt, reminiscent of the energy he brought to the wrestling ring. This tribute is designed to signify both Hogan’s personal legacy and his relationship with NASCAR, especially tied to the branding of Hogan’s Real American Beer.
The emotional resonance stems from Hogan’s recent death from cardiac arrest on July 24th, a loss felt in both wrestling and racing circles. By bringing the Hulkamania image to Watkins Glen, Stenhouse underlines the crossover influence Hogan held for generations of fans across sports and entertainment.
“NASCAR Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Set To Honor Hulk Hogan At Upcoming Race”
—Wrestlezone, reporting on X
Remembering Hulk Hogan’s Legacy in Sports and Racing
Born as Terry Eugene Bollea in 1953, Hulk Hogan stood as one of the most impactful athletes in professional wrestling. His towering persona, trademark blond moustache, and dynamic stage presence revolutionized live sports entertainment during the 1980s, making him a household name and attracting millions to wrestling. Hogan did not just dominate within the squared circle; his cultural appeal extended to crossovers with other sports, including auto racing and television. Hogan’s charisma and unique flair turned him into a symbol that transcended professional wrestling, shaping perceptions of what a wrestling superstar could embody in American pop culture.
Stenhouse Jr., known for his passionate approach on the racetrack, shares a drive for boldness and competition akin to Hulk Hogan’s performance philosophy. As a consistent performer in the NASCAR Cup Series, Stenhouse has claimed four career victories and a series of top-10 results, establishing himself as a fixture in the sport. Since joining Hyak Motorsports and piloting the No. 47 Chevrolet, his style mirrors Hogan’s crowd-pleasing, larger-than-life appeal, making this tribute especially meaningful to NASCAR and wrestling audiences alike.
Hulk Hogan’s Impact on NASCAR: Past Connections
Hogan’s history with NASCAR includes a significant partnership in 1995 with the legendary Petty Enterprises, owned by Richard Petty. During this period, Hulk Hogan sponsored Rodney Combs, who drove the No. 43 car in the Busch Series. The vehicle was decorated in Hulkster-inspired red and yellow, signaling the wrestler’s enthusiastic support for the racing series and generating buzz in both sporting communities.
Despite not capturing a win that season, Combs, racing with Hogan’s backing, achieved three top-10 finishes, demonstrating the credibility and competitive spirit brought by this crossover. At a lively press event, Hogan passionately declared:
“I been scouting all the drivers for some time now, brother, and Rodney Combs, he’s got the training, the prayers, the vitamins, to run wild all over NASCAR, jack! NASCAR is the biggest racing series in America, and now with The Hulkster and all his Hulkamaniacs on board, brother, NASCAR’s gonna be the biggest racing series in the WORLD, brother!
—Hulk Hogan, at a press conference
“We’re talking main-event races, t-shirts, diecast cars, movies, heck—we might even try to get Rockin’ Rodney Combs in the ring, brother!”
—Hulk Hogan, at a press conference
This effort reflected a strategic alliance between Petty Enterprises and Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW), amplifying NASCAR’s entertainment appeal and fostering new fan connections that continue to influence the sport’s promotional direction.
The Lasting Influence of Hulkamania in Motorsports
With Stenhouse Jr. bringing Hulkamania back to the spotlight at Watkins Glen, the event stands as both a memorial and a testament to the enduring influence of crossover stars in American sports. The tribute car symbolizes not only Hogan’s personal charisma and popularity but also the unique ability of personalities like him to bridge the gap between wrestling and racing, inspiring athletes, fans, and future collaborations across disciplines. As the race approaches, anticipation builds for how this symbolic gesture will resonate on and off the track, reaffirming the memories and meaning attached to both Hulk Hogan and high-octane stock car racing.
