Writing was on wall for Bubba Wallace losing $220B | Sports News

The writing had been on the wall for Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing long earlier than the official announcement arrived. 

For years, the Golden Arches have been inseparable from the No. 23 car, a visible hyperlink that felt inevitable given the staff’s possession and branding energy. But heading into 2026, that period is ending, with McDonald’s stepping away from Wallace and a acquainted NASCAR model shifting swiftly into its place.

The partnership made sense on a number of ranges, connecting Wallace with one of essentially the most recognizable manufacturers on the planet and tying on to staff co-owner Michael Jordan.

As the staff expanded from one car to 3 full-time entries, McDonald’s presence helped give 23XI fast credibility within the Cup Series storage.

That visibility, nonetheless, started to fade over the previous 12 months. McDonald’s cut back its race entitlement with Wallace’s No. 23, sponsoring 9 races final season after showing on more than 20 vehicles the 12 months earlier than. 

The model additionally exited its function as a founding accomplice of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race and was changed in that space shortly after. 

Off the monitor, followers observed the emblem lacking from 23XI diecasts and the newest NASCAR console recreation, delicate indicators that the partnership was winding down.

With McDonald’s no longer half of the 2026 plan, Wallace is losing a sponsor valued at roughly $220 billion globally. Still, 23XI was by no means left scrambling. 

The staff moved rapidly to secure a multi-year deal with Hardee’s, which can function a major sponsor for Wallace in a number of races whereas additionally changing into NASCAR’s official Quick Service Restaurant. The transfer marks the primary time NASCAR has named a QSR accomplice since 2009.

From the early Nineteen Eighties by way of the late Nineties, the company was one of essentially the most outstanding sponsors within the sport, backing champions and Daytona 500 winners. 

Its logos as soon as sat atop vehicles pushed by Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Dale Jarrett, Alan Kulwicki and Ward Burton. After disappearing from the Cup Series in 1997, Hardee’s re-emergence with Wallace ties NASCAR’s previous immediately to 1 of its most seen fashionable groups.