Oregon State University has joined forces with the Xfinity Series for an exciting new partnership, bringing university branding to the front lines of racing at Portland International Raceway this week. This Oregon State Xfinity Series NASCAR partnership sees Dean Thompson piloting the No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing car, which proudly features the school’s iconic orange and black colors.
Oregon State’s Mark Makes Racing History in Portland
The Xfinity Series heads to the heart of the Pacific Northwest as Oregon State teams up with Thompson Pipe Group to showcase the Beavers’ spirit in NASCAR. Dean Thompson’s No. 26 car, fielded by Sam Hunt Racing, will carry the university’s colors and mascot, making a visual statement as the race unfolds at Portland International Raceway. The bold design is expected to catch the attention of fans throughout the weekend.
Notably, university logos and mascots have long found a home atop racecars, but the presence of the Oregon State Beaver on the No. 26 machine stands out, symbolizing the growing ties between collegiate sports and motorsports.
Are you ready for it #BeaverNation? @deanthompsonr will wheel the No. 26 Thompson Pipe Group X Oregon State University GR Supra this weekend at @Race_Portland #LetsHunt | #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/5Ja3fWDImN— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) August 25, 2025
This race weekend is significant not only for NASCAR but also for NCAA sports, as the beginning of college football season overlaps with the Xfinity Series as teams compete for playoff spots. Major playoff action also kicks off for the Cup and Truck Series at Darlington, further amplifying the weekend’s intensity for sports fans.
For Dean Thompson, this partnership is an opportunity to represent Oregon State on the NASCAR stage right before the university’s football team faces the California Golden Bears, adding excitement for Beavers supporters both on the track and on the field.
College Sports and Motorsports Forge New Alliances
NCAA schools like Oregon State are increasingly exploring partnerships with NASCAR, reflecting a new era fueled by opportunities like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for student-athletes. Schools, teams, and sponsors now have expanded possibilities for collaboration and marketing, allowing university brands to gain visibility in unique arenas like motorsports.
Texas A&M recently inked a successful partnership with the Haas Factory Team, demonstrating that the benefits of such collaborations can extend beyond athletics departments. Engineering programs and motorsports management students are also finding new ways to engage with racing events and teams, leveraging these connections for educational and professional growth.
Dean Thompson, who may not be known as a dominant road course racer, brings strong local support through his Oregon State sponsorship. The Sam Hunt Racing team, renowned for its effort and determination, hopes this combination of institutional backing and racing grit will produce a standout result in Portland.
Emergence of NCAA Presence in NASCAR Sponsorships
With Oregon State joining the growing list of universities aligning with NASCAR, the presence of college mascots and official logos on racecars is gaining momentum. Each new partnership brings fresh colors, designs, and school pride to the sport, while fueling anticipation for what creative collaborations will emerge in future races.
As the Xfinity Series continues to deliver dramatic contests at Portland International Raceway, the integration of Oregon State branding provides added flair to the West Coast racing scene. Fans can look forward to seeing the Beavers’ image in the heart of the action as the university and its supporters cheer for Dean Thompson’s performance, hopeful that this bold step will lead to memorable racing achievements.
