Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports have introduced a striking new look for the No. 7 car on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series circuit, launching the highly anticipated Carson Hocevar black NASCAR scheme. The refreshed design, called intimidating by its sponsor Chili’s, will debut at iconic venues including the Circuit of the Americas and several other Cup Series events across the season.
A Distinctly Darkened Design for the No. 7 Ride the ‘Dente Car
The No. 7 Chevrolet now sports a dramatic blacked-out theme, a marked shift from last year’s white base. Prominently featuring the signature Chili’s logos and the recognizable Ride the ‘Dente font, the livery also introduces red pepper vines that honor Chili’s founder Larry Lavine. This change aims to give the car a more imposing and symbolic presence while preserving its brand identity throughout the NASCAR Cup Series calendar.
Personal Style: A New Outlaw Attitude
Not only has the car received a makeover, but Carson Hocevar’s racing attire has also been reimagined to complement the new scheme. Hocevar now wears a black Western shirt, jeans, boots, and the iconic black hat—embracing a bold, ‘villain’ persona. This approach marks a departure from 2025, when Chili’s-backed drivers, including Justin Haley, first adopted white cowboy hats at major races like the Daytona 500. Hocevar himself transitioned to a black hat at Texas Motor Speedway after initially starting the season in white. The synergy between the firesuit and vehicle underscores the detailed branding vision driving this campaign.
Attention to Detail: The Chili’s Brand Experience
Chili’s and Spire Motorsports have paid special attention to every element of the new campaign, aiming to stand out in a highly competitive field. Hocevar praised the sponsors for their commitment to authenticity and creativity, highlighting the uniqueness of the campaign and its meticulous execution.
“Chili’s set the bar last year with the Ride the ‘Dente scheme and firesuit,”
said Hocevar in a press release.
“This year they’ve outdone themselves with the full look. I don’t think you’ll find another car or campaign in the garage that is as detailed and unique as this one.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
Reflecting on the brand partnership, Hocevar expressed pride in representing a well-loved brand:
“Every little thing has been thought out and it’s really cool to be able to represent a brand I love in the sport I love. I hope everyone enjoys seeing the black-and-white Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevy on track, and when we take it to Victory Lane, they can join us at the nearest Chili’s for some margs and Triple Dippers.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
Competitive Edge: On-Track Action and Recent Performances
The unveiling of this scheme comes after an eventful weekend for Hocevar and Spire Motorsports at EchoPark Speedway, where his assertive racing style positioned him as a potential contender for victory. During the overtime attempt, with Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace leading, Hocevar aggressively advanced between the leaders at the drop of the white flag. This bold move led to a collision, sending Bell into the wall and triggering a late-race caution.
In the subsequent restart, Hocevar again seized an opening, pushing into the center lane of a three-wide pack, briefly taking the lead before ultimately finishing in fourth behind Tyler Reddick, with Reddick benefiting from the teamwork of Toyota’s Chase Briscoe. The finish, though not a win, demonstrated Hocevar’s willingness to battle for every position and his growth as a Cup Series competitor.
“Overall, it was a good points day for us,”
Hocevar said after the Atlanta race.
“I was taking every run I could. I’m sure I owe people apologies, but I think we’re all battling for spaces and runs.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
He reflected on the car’s resilience, adding,
“At the end, all four tires were straight. My toe was knocked out, but it was still pretty fast. Pretty excited about a strong start to the season.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
Looking Ahead: Impact and Anticipation for the New Design
The bold Carson Hocevar black NASCAR scheme symbolizes a new era for Spire Motorsports, combining style, branding, and competitive spirit. With the Cup Series heading to high-profile tracks and increased fan interest expected, this distinctive look is poised to generate buzz both on and off the circuit. Hocevar’s assertive style, together with the attention-grabbing Chili’s campaign, signifies that both driver and team are aiming for memorable moments this season, with hopes of celebrating in Victory Lane and continuing to elevate the brand partnership throughout 2026.
Carson Hocevar went for it ASAP. pic.twitter.com/z0ogFRFXXJ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 23, 2026
