23XI Racing has announced an extended sponsorship with Chumba Casino for the 2026 NASCAR season, following a challenging period marked by a high-profile trial and subsequent settlement with NASCAR. This renewed agreement builds on the 23XI Racing Chumba Casino partnership, positioning both organizations for a vibrant presence on the track and expanded engagement with motorsports fans.
Turning the Page After a Tumultuous Year
The past year was especially tough for 23XI Racing—co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan—due to legal challenges that tested the team’s resolve. After enduring legal proceedings with NASCAR, a resolution was reached, allowing the team to refocus and look ahead. As preparations for the coming racing season gain momentum, 23XI Racing is channeling its attention towards building stronger collaborations and advancing its competitive ambitions.
The Launch of Chumba Casino’s NASCAR Presence
Chumba Casino made its entrance into NASCAR by partnering with 23XI Racing for the 2025 season. Virtual Gaming World, the parent company behind Chumba Casino and also a backer of Scuderia Ferrari in Formula 1, expanded its motorsport investments to include American stock car racing. The partnership put Chumba Casino’s vivid colors and branding at the forefront of the team’s visual identity, from race cars to the firesuits of drivers Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst.
During several high-profile competitions, including the Indianapolis race where Bubba Wallace snapped a lengthy winless streak, the No. 23 Toyota showcased the casino’s branding, amplifying both the team and sponsor’s visibility.
2026 Sponsorship Expansion: Details and Highlights
Building on a fruitful initial year, Chumba Casino has committed to renewing and expanding its partnership with 23XI Racing through 2026. This new deal will see the brand sponsoring both Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace at multiple events throughout the season. The collaboration will launch right from the season’s opening race at Daytona International Speedway, with Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota debuting in Chumba Casino’s iconic livery.
Notably, Bubba Wallace will continue to feature Chumba Casino branding in several key races, including the celebrated Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. Beyond direct car sponsorship, the agreement includes a variety of enhanced fan experiences—such as giveaways and meet-and-greets with the drivers, and the ongoing inclusion of Chumba Casino’s design elements on team fire suits for the duration of the year.
Leadership Perspectives on Deepening Collaboration
Reflecting on the renewed alliance, Ben Whitford, chief of marketing at Virtual Gaming World, shared:
“Our partnership with 23XI Racing had an incredible first year, highlighted by a historic Brickyard 400 win, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026.”
– Ben Whitford, Chief Marketing Officer, Virtual Gaming World
Further emphasizing the fan-centric focus of the deal, Whitford added:
“Expanding our presence with Tyler and continuing our support of Bubba allows us to connect with NASCAR fans in bigger and more engaging ways, from on-track moments to unforgettable fan experiences and giveaways. We’re proud to be part of 23XI’s journey and look forward to another exciting season together.”
– Ben Whitford, Chief Marketing Officer, Virtual Gaming World
Expressing enthusiasm from the team’s perspective, Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI Racing, remarked:
“After an exciting first season that included a historic win at the Brickyard, we’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Chumba Casino to include more races with Tyler, along with the brand’s ongoing engagement with Bubba. Last year we had a great reception from both Chumba Casino and NASCAR fans, and we look forward to another impactful year of growth and success on and off the track.”
– Steve Lauletta, President, 23XI Racing
Anticipated Impact for Team and Fans
With steadfast commitment from Chumba Casino and Virtual Gaming World, 23XI Racing enters the new season with renewed energy and robust backing. Both drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, are expected to leverage this support as they aim to deliver memorable performances and further victories, while fans can look forward to elevated engagement opportunities throughout the competitive calendar. The continued partnership underscores a promising chapter for 23XI Racing within NASCAR’s evolving sponsorship landscape.
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We’re proud to continue and grow our partnership with Chumba Casino in 2026! This season, Chumba Casino will have an expanded schedule with Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 team, starting with The Clash and the Daytona 500, and will also return with Bubba Wallace and the No. 23… pic.twitter.com/P6cxRLpIkn
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) January 6, 2026
