Core Insights - Chili's will debut its partnership with Spire Motorsports at the NASCAR race weekend in Texas on March 1, 2026, marking the beginning of multiple race dates for the No. 77 car [1] - The collaboration between Chili's and Spire Motorsports has evolved significantly, showcasing a commitment to enhancing fan engagement and brand visibility through racing [2][3] Company Overview - Chili's, a leading casual dining brand under Brinker International, operates 1,600 restaurants across 29 countries and has over 70,000 team members [5] - The brand was recognized as Ad Age's 2025 Brand of the Year and has a strong commitment to community support, having raised over $120 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital [5] Partnership Development - The relationship between Chili's and Spire Motorsports has grown from a few races to a comprehensive partnership, including sponsorship of various racing teams and events [3] - Chili's has expanded its racing presence by sponsoring not only the NASCAR Cup Series but also dirt late models and sprint cars, indicating a strategic move to enhance brand visibility in motorsports [2][3] Driver Performance - Carson Hocevar, the driver for the No. 77 team, is expected to have a breakout season in 2026 following a successful rookie year and strong finishes in previous races [3] - Hocevar's engaging personality and performance on the track have contributed to a growing fanbase, which benefits both Chili's and Spire Motorsports [3] Future Plans - More details regarding Chili's primary race dates and design for the March 1 weekend will be announced closer to the event, indicating ongoing promotional efforts [4] - Spire Motorsports will field multiple entries in the NASCAR Cup Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2026, showcasing the team's competitive strategy [8]