The biggest stage in American sports is set. The NFL season is coming to a thrilling end as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. With a historic three-peat on the line for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Meanwhile, the Eagles will be eyeing exact revenge for their Super Bowl loss two years ago.

As the stage is set for a fiery battle brands are also fighting commercial battles to attract the prime-time audience. Notably, this year, NASCAR will also have a prime-time presence thanks to Ross Chastain and Busch Light. The Trackhouse Racing driver stars in one of Busch Light’s two commercials. With an estimated ad slot worth $8 million, Chastain is following in the footsteps of a NASCAR legend—Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Ross Chastain Takes the Torch from Dale Jr.

For years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the face of NASCAR in mainstream media. He has been a fan favorite for his persona which also made him a favourite for brands. His partnership with Budweiser led to one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials in motorsports history. Now, nearly two decades later, Ross Chastain is stepping into a similar spotlight, bringing NASCAR back to the Super Bowl in a major way.

Chastain’s commercial, titled “Circles,” plays on NASCAR’s signature oval racing. The ad humorously questions the idea of constantly driving in circles before revealing Chastain casually emerging from a tent on the roof of his No. 1 Busch Light-themed stock car. “What’s wrong with going in circles?” Chastain quipped, perfectly embodying his light-hearted personality.

For Chastain, this is more than just another endorsement. It’s a career milestone. Growing up as a fan of the sport, he remembers seeing NASCAR-sponsored posters at bars and dreaming of one day being in the mix. Now, with Busch Light selecting him as their ambassador, the watermelon farmer-turned-racer is living that dream. “For them to pick a watermelon farmer from Florida to represent their brand, it means the world to me and my family,” Chastain said.

Notably, Chastain’s Super Bowl appearance immediately draws comparisons to Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s iconic Budweiser commercial from 2007. That ad had featured Dale Jr being chased through a desert by a pack of cars in a Mad Max-style pursuit. The storyline revolved around drivers hunting him down, believing he had a precious Budweiser beer in his car. Notably, that campaign did more than boost sales for Budweiser – it elevated company morale.

Speaking about the impact of Dale Jr’s ad campaign Former Budweiser marketing executive Steve Uline called him a uniting factor. “We got a lift from not just the sales, but just the—the morale of salespeople, the people in the brewery. I mean, there was a sense of pride that we didn’t have before,” Uline told Kylle Earnhardt Miller on Business of Motorsports in 2023. Now, with Chastain taking over the Busch Light mantle, history is repeating itself. Budweiser Brewery would be expecting something similar in the upcoming days.

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Chastain questions Ryan Blaney

While Ross Chastain’s Super Bowl appearance is a massive personal achievement, his focus remains locked on the 2025 NASCAR season. He kicked things off at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray. Trackhouse Racing driver started in 17th and fought through a chaotic field, ultimately securing an impressive sixth-place finish. However, he was not happy with some fellow drivers, especially Ryan Blaney. The Trackhouse Racing driver battled Blaney in a tense on-track fight. Notably, Blaney charged from 23rd to 2nd with impressive speed and aggressive maneuvers.

Chastain wasn’t thrilled with the way Blaney worked his way through the field, particularly when it came to their direct encounters. “I don’t know what he had. I know he had a yellow car. When he got up to me in about 17th… seemed like he was able to push me down the track, gently, just stay in my bumper, from start to finish line, all the way round. The 12 stayed attached to my bumper.” Chastain said.

Though Blaney’s tactics weren’t outright dirty, they were relentless. He applied just enough pressure to keep Chastain from making forward progress, using subtle yet effective moves to gain track position. Blaney’s calculated aggression allowed him to muscle past Chastain without making direct contact that would draw penalties or cause wrecks. He did similar things with others to go past everyone despite starting from the last position.

However, for Chastain, it was a frustrating situation. Chastain held his ground and finished sixth. But Blaney’s strategic pressure cost him a shot at a higher position. As NASCAR heads to Daytona for the iconic 500, Chastain will remember Blaney’s attack. The iconic race will take place a week after NFL play.