NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is paying tribute to the legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan at the Watkins Glen event in New York by featuring Hogan-inspired designs on his car. The tribute honors Hogan’s connection to stock car racing and celebrates his wrestling persona known worldwide.

Stenhouse Jr., driving the No. 47 Chevrolet for Hyak Motorsports, will display a vibrant design called HULKMANIA Forever, using a red, white, and blue color palette that references Hogan’s Real American Beer brand. A prominent sticker of Hogan ripping his shirt open will be placed on the car, reinforcing the classic Hulkamania image.

Remembering Hulk Hogan’s Legacy and Impact

Hogan, born Terry Eugene Bollea on August 11, 1953, passed away from cardiac arrest on July 24. He was one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, renowned for his dynamic persona, signature blond mustache, and charismatic performances during the 1980s and beyond. His influence extended across entertainment, becoming a cornerstone figure in the wrestling world.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., known for his competitive and aggressive style in the NASCAR Cup Series, has captured four career Cup victories since joining Hyak Motorsports in 2025. He uses this occasion not only to honor a wrestling legend but also to recognize Hogan’s ties to motorsports and his lasting impact on fans across multiple industries.

Coverage from Wrestlezone on X highlighted this moment, stating:

“NASCAR Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Set To Honor Hulk Hogan At Upcoming Race”

Hulk Hogan’s Past Engagement with NASCAR Through Richard Petty’s Team

Hogan’s connection to NASCAR runs deeper, dating back to 1995 when he teamed up with Richard Petty-owned Petty Enterprises in the Busch Series. During that season, Hogan was the sponsor for driver Rodney Combs, who competed in the #43 car adorned with a red and yellow paint job featuring Hogan’s Hulkster branding.

While Combs did not secure a race win that year, he earned three top-10 finishes, lending credibility to the partnership. Hogan once reflected on this venture during a press event with enthusiasm:

“I been scouting all the drivers for some time now, brother, and Rodney Combs, he’s got the training, the prayers, the vitamins, to run wild all over NASCAR, jack! NASCAR is the biggest racing series in America, and now with The Hulkster and all his Hulkamaniacs on board, brother, NASCAR’s gonna be the biggest racing series in the WORLD, brother!

“We’re talking main-event races, t-shirts, diecast cars, movies, heck—we might even try to get Rockin’ Rodney Combs in the ring, brother!”

This collaboration was part of a strategic alliance between Petty Enterprises and Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW), combining wrestling’s entertainment appeal with NASCAR’s racing platform.

The Significance of Stenhouse Jr.’s Tribute at Watkins Glen

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s decision to honor Hulk Hogan in this memorable way highlights not only Hogan’s remarkable wrestling career but also his unique relationship with motorsports. By showcasing the iconic Hulkamania persona on race day, Stenhouse Jr. bridges the worlds of wrestling and NASCAR, celebrating Hogan’s enduring influence.

This tribute at Watkins Glen serves as a heartfelt remembrance and a public acknowledgment of Hogan’s cultural footprint, reminding fans of the deep connections between entertainment and sport. Moving forward, Stenhouse Jr.’s homage may inspire further collaborations and tributes across the two industries linked by shared passions and fandoms.