Honestly, it felt weird at first. Seeing anyone other than Kevin Harvick climbing out of a car plastered in those iconic blue and white mountains was a total system shock for NASCAR fans. Harvick was Busch Light for almost a decade. But then 2024 hit, and suddenly Ross Chastain—the guy famous for riding the wall at Martinsville and smashing watermelons—was the new face of the mountains. It wasn't just a sponsorship swap. It was a complete vibe shift for the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing team.
People thought the transition would be rocky. They were wrong.
Chastain didn't just stumble into this deal because Harvick retired. He and Justin Marks, the owner of Trackhouse, actively hunted it down. They wanted the beer. Why? Because Ross actually drinks the stuff. He’s an eighth-generation watermelon farmer from Alva, Florida. In his world, Busch Light isn't a "marketing asset." It’s what you crack open after ten hours in the sun.
The Ross Chastain Busch Light Car Design Evolution
When the first "Iconic" paint scheme dropped for the 2024 season, it didn't play it safe. It featured a wrap-around mountain landscape that felt more aggressive than the clean, minimalist looks Harvick usually ran. The chrome numbers on the side? Total chef’s kiss. It popped under the lights at the LA Coliseum during the Busch Light Clash.
But 2025 took the creativity to another level. We started seeing schemes that leaned into the "Melon Man" persona and the outdoorsy roots of the brand.
The 2025 "For the Farmers" and Specialty Wraps
Last year was a masterclass in variety. If you followed the 2025 season, you saw the No. 1 Chevy change skins like a chameleon.
- The "Flannel" Car: At Bristol, the car literally looked like a giant blue plaid shirt.
- Busch Light Peach: Remember the Chicago Street Race? The car went full summer mode with a vibrant peach-inspired look.
- The Fishing Scheme: For Darlington, they leaned into the "Great Outdoors" theme with a design that looked more like a bass boat than a race car.
Now, looking at 2026, the brand is doubling down. The leaked 2026 primary scheme—which was officially confirmed just a few days ago on January 9—is a bit polarizing. It uses significantly more white on the top half of the car, cutting into the blue mountains at the bottom. Some fans on Reddit are calling it a "downgrade," while others think it looks cleaner and more modern. I'm still on the fence, but it’ll definitely stand out in a pack of 40 cars.
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Why This Partnership Actually Works
Marketing execs love to talk about "authenticity," but usually, it's corporate fluff. With the Ross Chastain Busch Light car, it’s actually true.
There’s a hilarious story Chastain told recently about the cardboard cutouts. You’ve seen them in gas stations and grocery stores—Ross standing there in his fire suit next to a 30-pack. He mentioned that 12 years ago, back when he was a nobody trying to get a foot in the door, he actually paid for 10 of his own cardboard cutouts to give to potential sponsors.
Talk about a full-circle moment. Now, Anheuser-Busch is paying for thousands of them.
The Super Bowl Factor
If you watched Super Bowl LIX last weekend, you saw the "Circles" commercial. It was a 15-second spot where two hikers get lost and the "Busch Guy" points out a landmark to help them find their way. That landmark? Ross Chastain’s No. 1 car parked in the middle of the woods with Ross camping in a tent on the roof.
The joke, of course, is that Ross "drives in circles" for a living. It’s self-deprecating, it’s funny, and it connects the blue-collar farming background of the driver to the "mountain cold" branding of the beer. It’s lightyears away from the stoic, serious "Closer" era of Harvick.
What's Changing for 2026?
It’s not just the paint. 2026 is a massive year for Trackhouse.
First off, the rumors were true: Ross has a new crew chief this year. After a 2025 season that had some brilliant flashes but lacked the consistent winning speed of his 2022 championship runner-up campaign, the team is shaking things up. They need the Ross Chastain Busch Light car in Victory Lane more often, especially with the new NASCAR championship format rewarding consistency at a much higher level.
Also, expect to see the Busch Light branding on more than just the No. 1 car. With Trackhouse expanding and guys like Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch in the mix, Anheuser-Busch is using Ross as the anchor for a much larger "lifestyle" push in racing.
How to Get Involved as a Fan
If you're a die-hard Chastain fan or just a collector of the schemes, here’s the reality of how to engage with the brand this year:
- Check the Schedule: Busch Light is the primary for about 18 out of the 36 races. If they aren't on the hood, it’s usually Worldwide Express or Kubota.
- Die-cast Pre-orders: The 2026 "White-Top" primary die-casts are going to be a hot commodity because of the design shift. Grab them early before they hit the secondary market markups.
- The "Busch Guide" App: They’ve been doing these digital activations where you can win "one-of-a-kind" experiences—like actually going to the farm in Alva. It’s worth a look if you’re 21+.
Final Thoughts for the Season
The Ross Chastain Busch Light car has become a symbol of the "new" NASCAR. It’s younger, it’s a bit louder, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. While some older fans might miss the Harvick years, you can't deny the energy Chastain brings. He drives like he’s got nothing to lose, which is exactly how you want a guy sponsored by a "refreshing" beer brand to drive.
Keep an eye on the No. 1 at the Daytona 500 next month. That new white-and-blue scheme is going to look very different drafting at 190 mph. Whether he wins or clips a fender trying a risky move, one thing is certain: you won't be able to miss the mountains.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor the 2026 Paint Scheme Schedule: Trackhouse usually releases which races will feature specialty "flavor" wraps (like Busch Light Apple or Lime) about a month in advance.
- Update Your Gear: The 2026 apparel line features a more minimalist mountain logo that matches the new car's "cleaner" aesthetic.
- Follow the Crew Chief Transition: Watch the early-season practice speeds at Daytona and Atlanta to see if the new leadership on the No. 1 pit box is clicking with Ross's aggressive driving style.