10 Vintage NASCAR Commercials That Are So Bad, They're Good

NASCAR’s old-school commercials from the ’80s and ’90s were as memorable as the races themselves. They weren’t just about selling products—they were an era-defining glimpse into the sport’s cultural impact. Filled with over-the-top antics, outdated special effects, and a heavy dose of nostalgia, these ads were so bad they were actually good. Here are 10 vintage NASCAR commercials that still make us laugh, cringe, and appreciate the golden age of racing promotions.

1. Jeff Gordon’s Pepsi Commercial (1997)

Pam J. on Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Gordon looked fresh out of a boy band, casually sipping a Pepsi while talking about speed. The vibe screamed, “hip young guy who just happens to be a racing legend.” It tried to be cool, but it ended up somewhere between awkward and adorable.

2. NAPA “Know How” Jingle with Michael Waltrip (1990s)

TaurusEmerald on Wikimedia Commons

Michael Waltrip sang. Yes, he sang the NAPA jingle like it was a Grammy performance. Backup singers, dancing mechanics, and a full-on “car parts are life” vibe made it unforgettable. It’s the kind of commercial you’d mock at first, then find yourself humming in the shower.

3. ESPN “NASCAR Ride-Along” with Richard & Kyle Petty (1998)

The National Guard on Wikimedia Commons

Richard Petty gave Kyle Petty hilarious backseat driving advice while they were literally racing. It was part parody, part family drama, and totally ridiculous in the best way. Kyle’s eye-rolls said what we were all thinking.

4. Dodge Intrepid with Jeremy Mayfield (1990s)

Darryl Moran on Wikimedia Commons

Jeremy Mayfield stood by the Dodge Intrepid, trying to deliver a slick one-liner with the seriousness of a soap opera actor. The ad wanted him to seem edgy and cool, but it ended up feeling like your dad trying to act young. Still, it was oddly charming.

5. Mobil 1: Tony Stewart & Kevin Harvick (1990s)

Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons

Tony and Kevin were stuck in a super-scripted “funny” moment about motor oil, and neither looked thrilled. The ad tried to milk laughs from racing banter but came off more like a blooper reel. Watching it now is like unearthing a forgotten sitcom pilot.

6. Coca-Cola “Harmony” Ad (1990s)

TSGT Jack Braden on Wikimedia Commons

A bunch of NASCAR drivers tried to sing together, and not a single note was in tune. The ad was meant to show unity and feel-good vibes, but the off-key harmony stole the spotlight. It’s pure chaos and pure gold.

7. Kenny Wallace Local Dealership Ad (1990s)

Royalbroil on Wikimedia Commons

Kenny Wallace shouted over background music in a grainy commercial for used cars, likely filmed in one take. He pointed at trucks like they owed him money and yelled deals at the camera with unfiltered excitement. It was low-budget brilliance that accidentally became a cult classic.

8. “It’s Not Just a Race, It’s a Lifestyle” NASCAR Ad (1999)

mr_t_77 on Wikimedia Commons

This ad showed fans tailgating, grilling, and losing their minds in the stands like they were at Woodstock with more horsepower. The tagline tried to brand NASCAR as more than a sport, but it felt like a beer commercial that forgot to include beer. Still, it captured the diehard fan culture perfectly, if a bit awkwardly.

9. Goodyear Tires “Stick Like Glue” Ad (Late ’80s)

Wesray on Wikimedia Commons

Cars drifted in slow motion while dramatic music played as if the tires themselves were starring in an action film. The voiceover said things like “precision” and “grip” while showing a tire slowly rolling into the rame. It wanted to be serious but ended up kind of hilarious.

10. Dale Earnhardt GM Goodwrench Commercial (Early ’90s)

TSGT JACK BRADEN on Wikimedia Commons

Dale stood in black shades, arms crossed, saying maybe five words total—and yet somehow oozed menace. It was a textbook example of ‘90s tough-guy advertising: minimal dialogue, maximum intensity. You weren’t sure what was being sold, but you were sold anyway.

• Tags:
• NASCAR
• commercials
• Nostalgia
• Marketing