The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is partnering with Joey Gase Motorsports, alongside Scott Osteen, in select NASCAR events in 2026 to promote fire safety awareness and highlight the essential role of fire codes. This initiative, focused on the Joey Gase NASCAR fire safety message, utilizes the immense reach of NASCAR to stress how critical codes and standards protect individuals and property across the United States.
Major Sponsorship and Key Event Dates for 2026
Building on their ongoing efforts, the NFPA will serve as title sponsor for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race during the spring race weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The race—named the NFPA 250—is scheduled for March 28, 2026, at 3 p.m. and will advance the organization’s “Safety Doesn’t Happen by Chance™” campaign. This campaign is designed to showcase the importance of the often-overlooked technical systems and standards that safeguard people in their everyday environments.
Joey Gase will drive in the headline event, the NFPA 250, and will further represent the fire safety cause at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 10, during the national observance of Fire Prevention Week, which starts October 4, 2026.
Strengthening the Message: Voices From NFPA and Gase
“NASCAR has always placed safety at the forefront, both for competitors on the track and the fans who attend its races,”
said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy.
“This collaboration reflects the NFPA mission to protect people and property from fire and other hazards. With our sponsorship of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series NFPA 250, and our continuing work with Joey Gase, we are excited to elevate national awareness about the importance of codes and standards and the role they play in safeguarding people, property, and communities.”
– Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy
Joey Gase, who is personally invested in the cause, highlighted the significance of using his racing platform to reach broad audiences.
“Fire safety has always been personal to me, and being able to use the track as a platform to raise awareness makes this work even more meaningful,”
said Joey Gase.
“Safety starts at home, and getting the chance to highlight that message is something I’m proud of. Every family deserves to know the risks of fire and the actionable steps they can take to prevent it, and they should also know about the standards that support safety in our communities. Teaming up with NFPA for the NFPA 250 and in Charlotte during Fire Prevention Week helps us bring this important information to millions of people.”
– Joey Gase, NASCAR driver
Addressing Misconceptions and Engaging the Public
NFPA’s research has revealed significant misconceptions among Americans regarding who develops safety codes. Many believe government agencies author these guidelines, when in fact, they are produced by independent standards organizations such as NFPA through a process involving input from industry professionals. This misunderstanding leaves fire safety initiatives open to interference and underscores the need for broadened public education.
By increasing transparency and understanding about the code development process, NFPA and its partners found that people express strong support for maintaining and enhancing the country’s safety systems.
Fire Prevention Week: A Century-Old Educational Tradition
Fire Prevention Week, the oldest ongoing public health observance in America, returns each October and serves as a core component of the 2026 campaign. For over a century, Fire Prevention Week has united local fire departments, schools, and community organizations in efforts to educate communities about home fire risks and basic safety strategies. Through these collaborative activities, fire safety fundamentals continue to reach millions nationwide during this annual event at venues like Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond.
Looking Ahead to Enhanced Visibility and Impact
The partnership between Joey Gase, NFPA, and their NASCAR collaborators is set to amplify fire safety awareness during the 2026 racing season. With major events like the NFPA 250 and participation during Fire Prevention Week reaching audiences at Martinsville and Charlotte, this campaign promises to inform and engage fans, helping families across the country better understand critical steps that keep them safe at home, on the road, and in their communities.
