Ross Chastain, representing Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR, set a new Guinness World Record for the loudest billboard in Times Square, New York City. This achievement, part of NASCAR’s brand campaign, spotlighted the visceral excitement of the sport ahead of the 2026 Cup Series season and used the Ross Chastain Guinness World Record as a central feature.
NASCAR Showcases Chevy Engine in Times Square
To promote the upcoming Daytona 500 and the start of the 2026 Cup Series, NASCAR brought Ross Chastain to Times Square for a unique publicity event. The association installed a full-size replica of the Chevy Cup engine on a billboard. This engine, crafted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, through a partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and ECR Engines, played a pivotal role in breaking the world record. Ross Chastain initiated the event by pressing the start button, unleashing a sound measured at an impressive 133.7 decibels, far surpassing the previous 100-decibel record.
Observers in New York City witnessed as an official from Guinness World Records confirmed the accomplishment. As recognition, Ross Chastain received an official plaque, underscoring both his and NASCAR’s achievement. NASCAR Chief Brand Officer Tim Clark expressed the importance of the moment, stating:
“Setting a Guinness World Records title is a proud moment for our sport and serves as a bold statement to get the 2026 season started. The billboard puts the visceral energy of NASCAR front and center and invites everyone to experience what makes our sport so unique.”
— Tim Clark, NASCAR Chief Brand Officer
Daytona 500 and New Season Details Set the Stage
Anticipation now builds toward the 2026 Daytona 500, which will officially launch the Cup Series season on February 15, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway. Major broadcasters—including FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio—are slated to televise the 500-mile event starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron is preparing to defend his back-to-back titles, aiming for a possible third consecutive victory in this iconic race.
NASCAR Revises Rules Before the 2026 Cup Series
Significant regulatory changes are being implemented for the seventy-eighth Cup Series season. During the Hauler Talk podcast, NASCAR Managing Director Mike Forde detailed updates to the rulebook, touching on multiple aspects of competition and safety. One alteration involves the allocation of points for the fastest race lap; drivers who post the top speed before heading to the garage for repairs will now earn extra points.
Lug nut penalties have been adjusted for both the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series. For the 2026 season, teams will forfeit their choice of pit stall in the following race if a single loose lug nut is found. Fines escalate with additional infractions: two loose lug nuts result in $5,000 and $2,500 fines, while three doubles those penalties, and four trigger immediate disqualification.
Another notable change is the introduction of new Original Equipment Manufacturers, such as RAM, which will be allotted grid positions 37 through 40 for the first three races, based on single-vehicle qualifying times. These provisional entries cannot claim the race purse but remain eligible for points. Additionally, the age limit to compete in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on tracks 1.265 miles or shorter has been lowered, allowing 17-year-old drivers to participate.
Broader Implications for NASCAR and Its Fans
The Ross Chastain Guinness World Record at Times Square not only delivered an attention-grabbing spectacle but also emphasized NASCAR’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement. With sweeping rule changes, expanded manufacturer participation, and a daring promotional campaign, the organization is shaping the evolution of stock car racing. The upcoming Daytona 500 and the start of the 2026 season will serve as pivotal tests of these new initiatives and their reception by fans, drivers, and stakeholders across the sport.
