On February 9, 2026, RFK Racing announced a significant transition in their long-standing collaboration with Fastenal Company, shifting from the recognizable blue Fastenal livery to a bold black and orange Body Guard paint scheme. The updated look will debut at the start of the 2026 NASCAR season, with the initiative designed to boost the visibility of Fastenal’s Body Guard safety product line and its importance across multiple industries.
Fastenal’s decision to feature Body Guard on RFK Racing vehicles, competition gear, and haulers reflects a wider marketing pivot, moving their focus from general brand awareness to highlighting their leading safety solutions. The companies aim to intertwine the reliability and quality of Body Guard products with the high-performance culture of NASCAR and RFK Racing.
Strategic Goals and Perspectives on the New Direction
This visually striking branding shift is more than just an aesthetic update for both partners. Fastenal sees the collaboration as an opportunity to align its market presence more closely with its core mission of delivering innovative and effective safety products. RFK Racing, meanwhile, underscores that the move reflects values already embedded in their approach to competition and team operations.
“This change is more than just a new look; it’s a strategic move to align our marketing efforts with our commitment to providing top quality safety products to our customers. The orange and black scheme is bold and memorable, much like our Body Guard products themselves,”
stated Pete Watkins, Marketing Strategist at Fastenal.
Body Guard, Fastenal’s private-label safety brand, signals a distinct evolution in messaging, with an identity now rooted in proactive safety rather than mere survival. This transformation aims to communicate the brand’s expertise and unwavering standards within the safety segment.
“Fastenal’s Body Guard brand has evolved from ‘engineered for survival’ to ‘engineered for safety’ to better reflect its core mission. Unlike typical private-label products, Body Guard offers high-quality safety solutions designed with extensive expertise,”
said Brent Roeder, Vice President of Sales at Fastenal.
“We leverage decades of experience and deep technical knowledge as we aim to ensure every product meets or exceeds market standards in quality and performance. By featuring the Body Guard paint scheme on the RFK Racing cars, we are confident that we will reach a broader audience and highlight the importance of safety in every industry.”
RFK Racing’s Commitment to Performance and Partnership
Reflecting on the continued collaboration, RFK Racing highlights Fastenal’s enduring role as a partner, emphasizing shared standards of excellence and dependability. The Body Guard brand, they believe, is a natural fit for both the racetrack and beyond.
“Fastenal is one of RFK Racing’s longest-running partners, and we’re thrilled to continue that relationship with the Body Guard brand,”
said RFK Racing President, Chip Bowers.
“Body Guard represents exceptional performance standards and dependable quality. These are values that align naturally with what we demand in everything we do on and off the track.”
RFK Racing previously showcased Body Guard colors during special NASCAR events, notably debuting the new scheme at Talladega in April 2025. With the official switch in 2026, the black and orange will be a regular fixture, symbolizing both organizations’ dedication to innovation and safety. Fastenal will remain integral to RFK Racing’s supply chain, reflecting partnership both on and off the course.
Legacy and Leadership in Racing and Industry
Fastenal brings a global footprint, with roughly 1,600 branches across 25 countries supplying essential products for manufacturing, construction, data centers, and government operations. Their approach combines local knowledge with advanced logistics, aiming to provide cost-effective, reliable supply solutions while minimizing supply chain risks. The Body Guard line represents their commitment to top-tier safety, blending technical expertise and innovation.
Meanwhile, RFK Racing enters its 39th season in 2026 with an ownership group that includes legendary figures such as Jack Roush, NASCAR Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski, and John Henry—owner of global franchises like the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool F.C., and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since its founding in 1988, RFK Racing (originally Roush Racing) has become a powerhouse, achieving over three hundred NASCAR victories and earning eight championships, including consecutive Cup wins in 2003 and 2004.
Off the circuit, RFK Racing has made a name for itself through dynamic marketing, award-winning social media, and innovative partnership executions, further cementing its status as one of the sport’s elite organizations.
Outlook for Fans, Customers, and the Racing Community
The launch of the Body Guard partnership with RFK Racing sets the stage for increased fan engagement and widespread awareness of safety within motorsports and beyond. As the paint scheme becomes a fixture on cars and equipment starting in 2026, both RFK Racing and Fastenal expect to amplify their shared message of performance and protection to a broader audience of NASCAR fans, industry professionals, and safety-conscious organizations around the world.
This strategic realignment highlights how two respected brands can come together to drive home the importance of safety, combining racing excellence with innovative products designed to protect workers and teams across a range of industries, establishing a template for how partnerships can deliver not only visibility but lasting value for all involved.
