Chef Boyardee is making a high-profile return to NASCAR for the 2026 season, partnering with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as the primary sponsor of his #47 Chevrolet in several races, starting with the Daytona 500. This move has reignited memories of Tony Stewart’s previous partnership with Chef Boyardee, capturing the attention of both longtime fans and the new generation, while shining a spotlight on the Tony Stewart Chef Boyardee sponsorship legacy.
Chef Boyardee Unveils New Sponsorship with Stenhouse Jr. for 2026
On January 12, Hyak Motorsports announced that Chef Boyardee will become the primary sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s #47 car in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, marking their vibrant return to the racing scene. The team revealed that the iconic red colors of the canned pasta brand will feature at three key Cup Series races: the pre-season Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, the Daytona 500 on February 15, and the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26. Fans quickly noticed the nostalgic paint scheme, which instantly sparked widespread conversation across the racing community.
Many supporters expressed how Chef Boyardee’s presence reminded them of Tony Stewart’s era, when the three-time NASCAR champion’s association with the brand became an unforgettable part of late 1990s and early 2000s racing culture. The connection to Stewart’s sponsorship generated a wave of excitement and approval among NASCAR enthusiasts as they celebrated the brand’s return to the track in 2026.
Fan Reactions Reflect on Nostalgia and Excitement
As soon as the new livery was made public, fans delivered enthusiastic and nostalgic responses, referencing the earlier Tony Stewart Chef Boyardee sponsorship. Many shared personal memories and praised the look of the updated design.
“This is awesome. Brings back memories of @TonyStewart’s personal sponsorship with them. His ‘personal chef.’ I ate so many cans of that stuff circa ’99-01, still have it now and then.”
– One fan wrote.
“Honestly looks pretty dope” – Another fan commented.
“That’s pretty cool!!! Love to see these sponsors I actually recognize!!”
– A third user said.
“Thank you @ChefBoyardee & welcome aboard! And that scheme…”
– Another fan wrote.
“Nice, cool scheme!” – A fifth user said.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Welcomes Chef Boyardee Onboard
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., entering his seventh season with Hyak Motorsports—previously known as JTG Daughtery Racing—is eager to begin the new partnership. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, the four-time Cup Series winner is known for his successes at Daytona and Talladega, the very tracks where Chef Boyardee will be highlighted on his Chevrolet.
“We’re excited to welcome Chef Boyardee to the HYAK Motorsports family. They’re a brand everyone knows, and bringing them into NASCAR is something the entire team is looking forward to. We’re ready to start the season off strong and represent Chef Boyardee throughout the year.”
– Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Stenhouse Jr. will look to further cement his reputation on superspeedways, aiming for his fifth series victory with the support of a brand steeped in NASCAR tradition. The team is counting on a strong start at the Cook Out Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium before taking on the prestigious Daytona 500 and later, the challenge at Talladega Superspeedway with the same iconic sponsor that once propelled Tony Stewart to legendary status.
Reviving a Memorable NASCAR Sponsorship Legacy
The re-emergence of Chef Boyardee as a sponsor brings a sense of continuity and connection within NASCAR, especially for fans who remember the Tony Stewart Chef Boyardee sponsorship. By aligning with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the brand bridges generations of racing enthusiasts, blending past successes with new ambitions. As the 2026 Cup Series season approaches, the partnership between Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports, and Chef Boyardee is anticipated to revive classic rivalries and create fresh memories for fans at some of racing’s most historic venues.
That’s pretty cool!!! Love to see these sponsors I actually recognize!!
— Herb (hater) Tarlek (@thalasttoknow) January 12, 2026
Thank you @ChefBoyardee & welcome aboard! And that scheme… pic.twitter.com/EtTbar3Whn
— Kathleen (@khifan) January 12, 2026
Nice, cool scheme!
— OwenVans (@OwenVans_05) January 12, 2026
