With some high-octane racing and wreck-filled performances, NASCAR kicked off its new season at Daytona last week. The 2025 season is a very significant one for NASCAR as the sport witnesses multiple changes. From the maiden points race in Mexico City to changes in key components, 2025 holds numerous surprises.

Meanwhile, NASCAR is dealing with an antitrust lawsuit, potential changes to its charter system, and the pressing need for a new official fuel supplier. NASCAR’s longtime fuel partner Sunoco may not return after 2025, forcing the sport to explore other options. NASCAR’s IMSA series already works with VP Racing Fuels, making them a natural candidate. Amid these discussions, the billionaire founder of Sunoco’s rival joined the Daytona 500 event. Is there a big shift coming to NASCAR in 2026?

Daytona 500 reflects NASCAR’s future!

Sunoco has been NASCAR’s official fuel supplier since 2004. The company plays a critical role in providing high-performance fuel for all three national racing series. But as its contract nears expiration in 2025, there’s growing uncertainty about whether Sunoco will extend its partnership. NASCAR has already started looking at other options, and the presence of Buc-ee’s founder, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, at Daytona has raised eyebrows.

Alpin’s plan to attend the Daytona 500 signaled his growing interest in the sport. The Texas-based outfit, Buc-ee’s, isn’t just a gas station—it’s a retail empire. The company holds a valuation of around $2 billion and is rapidly expanding across the United States. Their massive convenience stores, unique snacks, and record-breaking locations have made them a household name.

With NASCAR exploring new sponsorship deals, Buc-ee’s could be looking to make a bold move into motorsports. Meanwhile, Sunoco’s exclusive negotiating window with NASCAR has reportedly expired, meaning other fuel brands can now enter discussions. NASCAR is weighing its options, and Buc-ee’s could be a dark horse in the race to replace Sunoco. The brand’s rapid expansion and unique marketing approach align well with NASCAR’s efforts to attract new audiences.

On the contrary, NASCAR’s push toward hybrid and electric technology could lead to entirely new partnerships. Recently, NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed the uncertainty, stating that the organization is working with manufacturers to determine the future of fuel and vehicle technology. “What’s the (future) power plant going to look like? What’s the fuel going to look like?” Phelps said.

Beyond fuel negotiations, the Daytona 500 weekend was packed with major sponsorship activations. Brands like Wendy’s and The CW launched fan experiences, while Prime Video promoted its “Reacher” series. Coca-Cola, one of NASCAR’s three premier partners, continued its presence with large-scale branding at the track and surrounding locations.

Meanwhile, new tobacco alternatives like Zyn and Zone were highly visible, reflecting shifting consumer trends. NASCAR’s official carmakers, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, also took advantage of the event to debut new ads and showcase future vehicle concepts. Ford’s new electric NASCAR prototype drew significant attention, hinting at the sport’s developing approach to vehicle technology.

Trending

1

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

2

Roger Penske’s Final Hopes Slipping Away as NASCAR Fans Prepare for Honda

3

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

4

Rick Hendrick Accused of ‘Burying’ Ross Chastain’s Real Persona as Fans Insinuate Trackhouse’s Exit From Chevy

5

Pressured by Brad Keselowski, Roger Penske Spills Truth on Reviving Joey Logano’s NASCAR Career

Is the electric car the future?

NASCAR is at a critical turning point, with EV technology gaining traction within the sport. At the 2025 Daytona 500, the sanctioning body debuted the Chevrolet Blazer SS EV as a pace car, signaling a serious commitment to alternative energy. The move is part of NASCAR’s broader plan to decarbonize operations and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

ABB, a global leader in electrification, is leading the charge. Since forming its Electrification Innovation Partnership with NASCAR in 2024, ABB has played a key role in pushing high-performance electric racing forward. The partnership debuted at the 2024 Chicago Street Race, unveiling a cutting-edge EV prototype capable of over 1,300 horsepower. ABB’s Executive Vice President, Ralph Donati, emphasized the company’s vision. He said, “Our goal is to optimize, electrify, and decarbonize NASCAR’s operations, from EV racing to facility operations.”

While an all-electric NASCAR Cup Series may still be years away, the groundwork is already being laid. Battery pack vendors are watching closely, as NASCAR could soon shift from ethanol-based fuels to hybrid or fully electric power trains. The introduction of on-site EV charging stations, renewable energy sourcing, and expanded sustainability efforts all point toward a rapidly changing landscape.

Whether Buc-ee’s makes a move into NASCAR, battery pack vendors step up, or EV technology takes center stage, one thing is certain: NASCAR is evolving. And at the heart of it all, Daytona remains the epicenter where the sport’s biggest decisions take shape.