The roar of NASCAR engines might not roar holiday cheer, but when candy companies sponsor race teams, they bring some unexpected holiday magic to the track—even in the middle of July. Like stockings bursting with sweets on Christmas morning, these candy logos splashed across roaring race cars add a bold, sugary twist to high-speed action. From M&M’s eye-popping designs to peppermintstriped paint jobs, these sponsors deliver horsepower with sweet cheer, proving that speed, sweets and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” can light up any season.
M&M’s (Mars, Inc.)
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series, Joe Gibbs Racing, 2008–2022 M&M’s, one of the most prominent candy brands in NASCAR, was a primary sponsor of Kyle Busch’s No. 18 Toyota. The bright and colorful M&M’s car became iconic in NASCAR, with Busch winning multiple races and championships (2015 and 2019) with this sponsor.
Skittles (Mars, Inc.)
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series, Joe Gibbs Racing, 2013–2022 Skittles was also a sponsor for Kyle Busch in select races. The Skittles-branded car was known for its vibrant colors, representing the “Taste the Rainbow” campaign.
Reese’s (The Hershey Company) Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup Series, Richard Childress Racing, 2007–2010 Reese’s sponsored Kevin Harvick’s No.
29 Chevrolet. Harvick won several races with Reese’s branding and made Reese’s one of the most recognized candy brands in NASCAR.
Snickers (Mars, Inc.)
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series, Joe Gibbs Racing, 2010–2022 Another Mars candy brand, Snickers, was featured on Kyle Busch’s No. 18 car during select NASCAR races. The Snickers car has been a secondary sponsor within the Mars portfolio of brands.
Twix (Mars, Inc.)
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Serie, Joe Gibbs Racing, 2013–2015 Twix occasionally appeared on cars driven by Kyle Busch, as part of Mars, Inc.’s lineup of candy brands.
Junior Mints (Tootsie Roll Industries) Ken Schrader, NASCAR Cup Series, MB2 Motorsports, 1999–2001 Junior Mints sponsored Ken Schrader’s No. 36 Pontiac, providing a candy-themed paint scheme in NASCAR. The sponsorship was part of Tootsie Roll Industries’ broader entry into motorsports.
Butterfinger (Nestlé)
Robby Gordon, NASCAR Cup Series, Robby Gordon Motorsports, 2006–2007 Butterfinger sponsored Robby Gordon’s No. 7 Chevrolet for multiple races. The sponsorship featured the candy’s branding in a distinctive yellow and blue livery.
Snickers (Mars, Inc.)
Rick Mast, NASCAR Cup Series, 1999 Before Kyle Busch, Snickers also sponsored Rick Mast’s car in the late 1990s, continuing Mars, Inc.’s long association with NASCAR.
Hershey’s Chocolate (The Hershey Company) Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR Cup Series, Richard Childress Racing, 2001 Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 Chevrolet featured a special Hershey’s Chocolate paint scheme in 2001 at select events, highlighting Hershey’s partnership with Richard Childress Racing.