Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, has secured new sponsorships following recent changes within the team, with Hardee’s and Xfinity stepping in after longtime partner McDonald’s departed. These 23XI Racing sponsorship updates mark a pivotal shift as Wallace prepares for the upcoming NASCAR season.
Hardee’s Returns to NASCAR with 23XI Racing
With the exit of McDonald’s, Wallace and 23XI Racing have brought in Hardee’s as a primary sponsor for multiple race events. Hardee’s holds a significant place in NASCAR history, previously supporting notable drivers such as Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Alan Kulwicki, and Dale Jarrett. The brand’s reentry comes as it becomes NASCAR’s official Quick Service Restaurant, a role last held in 2008 by Checkers & Rally’s. This collaboration will also allow Hardee’s to feature in NASCAR’s My Rewards loyalty program, offering fans exclusive access at race tracks, online, and throughout their communities. The partnership launches officially during the spring race at Martinsville Speedway, highlighting Hardee’s commitment to reconnect with NASCAR fans.
“@NASCAR Holdings and @23XIRacing have worked together to bring @Hardees back into the sport, with Hardee’s becoming the first official QSR of NASCAR since @CheckersRallys in 2008. ➡️ At 23XI, Hardee’s is expected to replace a departing @McDonalds.”
– Adam Stern, NASCAR Reporter
Bubba Wallace expressed his enthusiasm about this new alliance, emphasizing the legacy that Hardee’s brings to the sport.
“NASCAR is built on legacy, and Hardee’s has been part of some of the most iconic moments in our sport’s history. To bring that history forward with 23XI is really special and we’re looking forward to representing a brand that means so much to NASCAR’s story. Fans know the Hardee’s paint schemes of the past, and I’m excited to help create some new memories for longtime and newer fans.”
– Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
The move ends a longstanding relationship between Wallace and McDonald’s, a sponsorship that began in 2019 when Wallace was with Richard Petty Motorsports.
Xfinity Steps Up as Primary Sponsor for Daytona 500
Another major development for Wallace and his team is a new partnership with Xfinity Mobile. After concluding their title sponsorship of NASCAR’s second-tier series, Xfinity has agreed to become the primary sponsor for Wallace’s No. 23 car in the season-opening Daytona 500. Additionally, Xfinity will continue as an associate sponsor for Wallace and his team through 2026. This endorsement strengthens Wallace’s presence on the track and highlights Xfinity’s dedication to NASCAR as a whole.
“Having Xfinity on the car for the Daytona 500 and doing more with our team for the 2026 season is an incredible honor” Bubba Wallace said, “They’re right there for every mile of the season, celebrating the milestones, and feeling like part of the team.”
– Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Recent Results and Season Highlights for Wallace
Wallace’s drive last season brought significant attention as he became the first Black driver to win at Indianapolis, clinching the Brickyard 400 and breaking a 100-race winless stretch for 23XI Racing. He finished just outside the top ten in the season standings, securing six top-five and fourteen top-ten finishes. However, the season was not without challenges, as Wallace faced nine DNFs (Did Not Finish), marking him as one of the most crash-prone drivers in the series for 2025. Notably, only Cody Ware experienced more DNFs, ending the year with eleven. Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, acknowledged this statistic with a playful remark, underscoring the competitive pressures and unpredictability in NASCAR’s high-intensity environment.
Outlook for 23XI Racing and Bubba Wallace
With these 23XI Racing sponsorship updates, the addition of Hardee’s and Xfinity signifies greater brand engagement for both Wallace and his team as they enter a new era. The involvement of legacy brands and fresh partnerships reflects the growing appeal and evolution of NASCAR’s sponsorship landscape. All eyes will be on Bubba Wallace as he competes in the Daytona 500 and subsequent events, aiming to build on past successes while representing his new partners on the national stage.
.@NASCAR Holdings and @23XIRacing have worked together to bring @Hardees back into the sport, with Hardee's becoming the first official QSR of NASCAR since @CheckersRallys in 2008.
➡️ At 23XI, Hardee's is expected to replace a departing @McDonalds. https://t.co/kTrhZZB8HI
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) January 21, 2026
