15 Old-School NASCAR Ads That Are Totally Bonkers Now
NASCAR has always been known for its fast cars, big personalities, and loud promotions. Back then, some advertisements used to promote the sport and its stars were wild, strange, and completely out of place.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
NASCAR’s advertising history is littered with bold, unusual, and occasionally hilarious commercials and print advertisements. These old-school advertisements attempted to capture fans’ attention with outrageous stunts, cheesy lines, and bizarre sponsor tie-ins that appear absurd today. While they may appear ridiculous now, they helped shape NASCAR’s fun and flashy image in its early years. This article features 15 of the most unbelievable and bizarre NASCAR advertisements from the past that fans will never believe existed.
1. Dale Earnhardt’s Wrangler Jeans Ad
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Earnhardt posed as a cowboy for Wrangler in a full denim suit. The advertisement appeared more like a Western film poster than a racing promotion. It’s now a hilarious reminder of how ’80s NASCAR enjoyed combining tough guy vibes with fashion.
2. Richard Petty for STP: The “Rocket Fuel”
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In an advertisement, Petty promoted STP oil by standing next to a car with flames exploding in the background. He claimed it gave his car “rocket power,” sounding like something from a superhero cartoon. It was totally extravagant and unforgettable.
3. Jeffrey Gordon Pepsi Commercial: “Racing the Delivery Guy”
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Gordon disguised himself and led a car salesman on a wild test drive to promote Pepsi Max. The prank ad appeared to be a stunt show, and viewers were surprised to learn it was real. It’s become legendary for combining NASCAR fame with viral-style chaos.
4. Terry Labonte’s Cornflakes
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Labonte was seen eating Corn Flakes in full gear while standing next to his race car. The advertisement attempted to make the cereal appear extreme, making it funny and strange. Today, it reads more like a parody than a genuine endorsement.
5. Bill Elliott, Coors Light “Silver Bullet”
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Elliott drove around town in a Coors Light-themed car, distributing beer to fans. It was a combination of party atmosphere and speed, with no regard for realism. A race car capable of delivering beer? Only in 1990s NASCAR.
6. Kyle Petty and Mello Yello: Action Hero Style
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Petty’s advertisement resembled a movie trailer, with explosions, helicopters, and Mello Yello cans flying through the air. It made him look more like an action star than a driver. It was more Mountain Dew than NASCAR, but fans enjoyed the excitement.
7. Mark Martin’s Viagra Sponsorship Ad
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Yes, they did run ads in which Martin spoke seriously about Viagra while standing next to his race car. The awkwardness was genuine, but it somehow became iconic. It was not exactly family-friendly, but it was certainly memorable.
8. Rusty Wallace, Miller Lite “Smooth Ride”
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Wallace drove through a bar in his race car to demonstrate the “smooth” nature of Miller Lite. It was strange and loud but also very 1990s. Today, the idea of combining beer advertisements with race cars that literally crash through walls is quite bizarre.
9. Darrell Waltrip, Budweiser “King of Beers” Promo
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Fans cheered as Waltrip, dressed in a crown and cape, declared Budweiser the king of all beers. The show felt like a cross between professional wrestling and NASCAR—cheesy, theatrical, and unexpectedly charming.
10. Ricky Rudd, Tide “Cleanest Car”
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The advertisement featured Rudd’s car spinning in slow motion, with the voiceover stating that it was “still the cleanest ride on the track.” Using laundry detergent to sell race winnings? Only in NASCAR would this make sense.
11. Bobby Labonte, Interstate Batteries “Power Punch” Ad
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Labonte punched a wall to demonstrate the strength of Interstate Batteries. It was cartoonish and silly, but it left a lasting impression. It’s definitely not how batteries work, but hey, it was enjoyable.
12. Tony Stewart, Home Depot “DIY Racer”
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Stewart’s ad featured him fixing a toilet, painting a wall, and jumping into his race car, making him appear like NASCAR’s ultimate handyman. People continue to laugh at the strange combination of home improvement and racing.
13. Michael Waltrip, NAPA Auto Parts “Rap Video” Ad
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Yes, there was a rap video featuring Waltrip rapping about car parts accompanied by backup dancers. It was so bad it was incredible. Nothing said “peak 2000s” like NASCAR drivers attempting to be hip-hop stars.
14. Kenny Wallace — Square D Electric “Shock the Competition”
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Kenny Wallace in his superhero costume, “zapping” his way through races. The advertisement featured comic book graphics and wild sound effects. It was electric, but not in the way they intended.
15. Jimmy Spencer - Winston Cigarettes
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Spencer promoted Winston with a cigar and a “winner’s attitude” pose. This advertisement was edgy for its time, but it now feels like it came from another planet. Smoking while racing? It was a completely different era.