Arby’s has announced a Rick Ware Racing sponsorship change for the 2026 NASCAR season, as the brand shifts its allegiance to JR Motorsports (JRM). This move sees Arby’s stepping into a prominent role as a primary sponsor for eight races, while also expanding its engagement with fans both on and off the racetrack.
Arby’s Moves to JR Motorsports for 2026 NASCAR Season
JR Motorsports revealed that it has secured a multi-year partnership with Arby’s, beginning with the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This alliance signals an end to Arby’s sponsorship with Rick Ware Racing and sets the stage for enhanced visibility, starting with JRM’s race efforts.
The official confirmation drew significant attention within motorsports circles:
“NEWS: @Arbys is joining @JRMotorsports as an eight-race primary sponsor for drivers Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith and Justin Allgaier during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign.”
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley), NASCAR journalist
Breakdown of Races and Drivers Under New Sponsorship
Under the terms of the new partnership, Arby’s branding will be featured prominently on three JRM drivers’ cars across eight key races. Carson Kvapil will represent Arby’s at Atlanta, Rockingham, Texas, and Chicago. Sammy Smith’s No. 8 Chevrolet will showcase Arby’s at Talladega, San Diego, and the Charlotte ROVAL, while seasoned driver Justin Allgaier will take the Arby’s colors to Darlington.
“#NASCAR… Arby’s will sponsor Carson Kvapil at Atlanta, Rockingham, Texas, and Chicago.
The company will jump aboard Sammy Smith’s No. 8 at Talladega, San Diego, and the ROVAL.
Justin Allgaier will carry the colors of Arby’s at Darlington. https://t.co/rk7QI8X7Z5”
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley), December 16, 2025
Beyond the eight featured events, Arby’s will have its branding seen all season long as an associate sponsor on Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet. This ongoing partnership provides the fast-food chain consistent visibility throughout the year in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Expansion Beyond the Track With Earnhardt and Dirty Mo Media
Arby’s new engagement with JRM is not limited to racing weekends. The agreement includes a personal services contract with JRM co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is set to play a major role in expanding the brand’s integration within the sport. Arby’s will also collaborate with Dirty Mo Media, tapping into digital and social opportunities to connect with racing fans on multiple platforms.
The expanded activation is aimed squarely at strengthening Arby’s relationship with the sport’s devoted audience:
“It’s an exciting opportunity to have Arby’s partner up with our companies,” — Dale Earnhardt Jr., JRM co-owner
“Arby’s is very aggressive with their activation and we pride ourselves on being a tremendous asset when it comes to offering a variety of unique marketing platforms, so I’m looking forward to how we can work together to continue to grow their business.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., JRM co-owner
Impact on NASCAR Sponsorship Scene
The addition of Arby’s to JRM’s roster bolsters the team’s status as one of the most marketable organizations in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. For Arby’s, the deal is more than just a sponsorship; it represents a strategic pivot to leverage competitive racing, star personalities like Earnhardt, and expanded media channels to enhance its footprint within a passionate fanbase.
This sponsorship shift leaves Rick Ware Racing without a key commercial partner, introducing some uncertainty for the team’s future. Meanwhile, JRM, along with drivers Justin Allgaier, Carson Kvapil, and Sammy Smith, stands to gain significantly from increased exposure and resources, potentially raising both performance levels and promotional reach for the upcoming season.
As Arby’s and JR Motorsports prepare for the 2026 launch of this partnership, the broader NASCAR community will be watching closely to see how this high-profile Rick Ware Racing sponsorship change shapes team strategies, fan connections, and the sponsorship landscape in seasons to come.
#NASCAR… Arby’s will sponsor Carson Kvapil at Atlanta, Rockingham, Texas, and Chicago.
The company will jump aboard Sammy Smith’s No. 8 at Talladega, San Diego, and the ROVAL.
Justin Allgaier will carry the colors of Arby’s at Darlington. https://t.co/rk7QI8X7Z5
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) December 16, 2025
