Grizzly Steps Up in a Big Way for Kaulig Racing’s 2026 Campaign
Securing a primary sponsor in today’s NASCAR landscape is difficult. Securing funding for the majority of a season is almost unheard of. Yet Kaulig Racing has done exactly that. The American Snuff Company is expanding its commitment in a major way.
By putting Grizzly Nicotine Pouches on the cars of Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger for a combined 27 races in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This isn’t a simple renewal. It’s a clear signal that the company sees long‑term value in what Matt Kaulig’s organization is building.
A Major Vote of Confidence from Grizzly
The partnership between Kaulig Racing and the American Snuff Company took shape at the 2025 Daytona 500, where Ty Dillon qualified inside the top 10 and finished 14th. That run clearly resonated with the brand’s leadership. The program now includes 27 races.
Dillon will carry the Grizzly colors in 14 events, while Allmendinger will run the scheme in 13. In a garage where teams often assemble on a week‑to‑week basis, this level of stability is rare. It frees the competition department to focus on development, wind-tunnel work, simulation, and long‑term planning rather than scrambling for funding.
Brent Trader, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at ASC, said the decision to expand the deal required no debate. He cited the alignment between their adult consumer base and the team’s fan demographic as a key driver.
Dillon and Allmendinger Ready to Deliver
Ty Dillon has spent much of his career grinding for every opportunity, and Kaulig Racing has given him a stable home. His runner‑up finish in last year’s In‑Season Tournament showed he can perform when the stakes are high.
Dillon has been open about how important this sponsorship is, calling the Grizzly team “good people” who are investing in the program’s future.AJ Allmendinger brings a different kind of value. He remains one of the most dynamic drivers in the field, especially on road courses and short tracks.
His pole at Bristol last September, earned while carrying the Grizzly colors, marked the brand’s first pole award and helped solidify this expanded partnership. With Allmendinger’s ability to run near the front at a variety of tracks, Grizzly is guaranteed strong visibility.
A Home‑Field Launch at Bowman Gray
The 2026 season opens at Bowman Gray Stadium, a venue that needs no introduction to longtime fans. The quarter‑mile bullring in Winston‑Salem is chaotic, loud, and unapologetically old‑school a fitting stage for the debut of the new Grizzly schemes.
For the American Snuff Company, headquartered in Winston‑Salem, this is essentially a home race. Dillon and Allmendinger will roll out their 2026 Grizzly paint schemes at the Clash, and the local connection will only amplify the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Supporting Veterans Through The Fallen Outdoors
One of the most meaningful elements of this partnership is The Fallen Outdoors’ continued involvement, a nonprofit that organizes outdoor activities for veterans, Gold Star families, and active‑duty service members.
NASCAR has always had a strong connection to the military community. Seeing a major sponsor use its platform to highlight a veterans’ organization adds depth to the program. It’s a reminder that the partnership isn’t just transactional. It reflects the values of the fan base and the team.
What This Means for Kaulig Racing
Stability
Locking in 27 funding races before the season even starts removes a significant burden from the organization. It gives the team room to plan months ahead instead of reacting week to week. Engineers can commit to longer development cycles without worrying about delays to the next upgrade due to budget constraints.
It also helps the crew as stability trickles down to every department, from the shop floor to the pit box. When people know the program is secure, they work with more confidence and fewer distractions.
Momentum
Matt Kaulig has been open about the team being in a “growth period,” and this deal reinforces that trajectory. It shows that outside partners see the same upward trend the team sees internally. Momentum matters in NASCAR, not just on the track but in the boardroom too.
When one major sponsor steps up, others take notice. It signals that Kaulig Racing is becoming a team worth investing in, not just a feel‑good story or a mid‑pack operation. This kind of backing can shift how the entire garage views them and can open doors to additional partnerships.
Performance
In this sport, funding directly affects speed. More resources mean more simulation time, more wind‑tunnel hours, and better equipment. It means the team can afford to test ideas instead of shelving them. For Dillon and Allmendinger, it means climbing into cars engineered with fewer compromises.
Performance gains don’t happen by accident. They come from investment, and this partnership gives Kaulig Racing the tools to close the gap on the front‑running organizations. With the right execution, this level of support can turn solid runs into consistent contention.
What’s Next
The 2026 season could be a defining year for Kaulig Racing. With Grizzly stepping up as a major anchor partner, the team has the financial foundation to push harder than ever. For Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger, the message is straightforward: the support is there — now it’s time to capitalize.
When the field rolls into Bowman Gray, the No. 10 and No. 16 Grizzly cars will be under a spotlight. How Kaulig Racing leverages this opportunity will shape the next chapter of the organization’s story.
