What’s in a name? Nowadays, for races, usually a title sponsor that graces the already long name indicating the race’s location, and in NASCAR, typically the mileage of the race as well. Sometimes the sponsor names alone lend to amusing race titles — sometimes, the fans get involved and hijinks ensue. Don’t believe me? Here’s a list of some of the most absurd race names to grace NASCAR to-date.
Buschy McBusch Race 400
My personal favorite. In 2021, Busch Beer left it up to the fans to pick the title sponsor for the Kansas Cup race with the following options: ‘The Busch Latte 400,’ ‘Nectar of the Cobs 400,’ ‘For the Farmers 400,’ and the ‘Buschy McBusch Race 400.’ Naturally, the final name won out, echoing the famous incident where the public were asked to name a research vessel, ultimately deciding upon Boaty McBoatface. But what truly made the Buschy McBusch Race 400 perfect is who ended up winning it — Kyle Busch.
Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Camry M&M’s Mix, celebrates after winning in Kansas.
Photo by: John Harrelson / NKP / Motorsport Images
SpongeBob SquarePants 400
In 2015, Nickelodeon decided to sponsor a Cup race at Kansas. The event was officially called the SpongeBob SquarePants 400, complete with mascots representing all the famous characters from Bikini Bottom. They even appeared in press conferences with the drivers. It was over the top ridiculousness but they was no missing out what this race was all about. The trophy was SpongeBob-themed and they even painted the walls to look like SpongeBob. There were also several SpongeBob-sponsored cars — one of them ended up spinning through the infield and coming to a stop in the middle of the SpongeBob logo. Yes, it was SpongeBob overload.
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Action Sports Photography
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400
Nickelodeon was extremely enthusiastic about their NASCAR sponsorships and following SpongeBob, there were still more to come. In 2017, they sponsored the Cup race at Chicagoland with the channel’s animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show as the centerpiece. All four turtles were present in mascot form and the TMNT headbands were handed out to members of the media. Oh, and the race ended with winner Martin Truex Jr. getting slimed in Victory Lane. Yes, really.
Race winner Martin Truex Jr., Furniture Row Racing Toyota
Photo by: Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Images
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