One of the best paint schemes the NASCAR world has ever seen.
In case you weren’t aware, Chili’s is kind of having a moment right now. While other chain restaurants are shuttering, the establishment known for it’s baby back ribs and triple dippers is thriving. That’s mostly thanks to the chain’s ability to connect with and capitalize on social media moments.
Any time they roll out some sort of new menu items, the young folks flock to their nearest Chili’s to partake in whatever culinary creation or charming cocktail that’s “available for a limited time.”
All that to say that Chili’s has been making a ton of great moves in the past couple of years, and their most recent examples is partnering with third-year NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar. He’s already turned plenty of heads by showcasing his skills while behind the wheel of the No. 77 car for Spire Motorsports in his first three seasons, and this updated paint scheme that partners with Chili’s is only going to make his driving that much more spicier.
It’s also important to note that this darker, black Chili’s design is giving big time Goodwrench GM Chevrolet vibes. “Intimidente” if you will…
That could be an intentional move, since Hocevar is often compared to Dale Earnhardt – the late, great, legend who was known for his aggressive driving of the No. 3 car. Chili’s even dressed up the young NASCAR driver in all black (obvious “Man in Black” reference) for the announcement, which you can view below.
Chili’s says that the “‘Dente” car is ready to ride again, and it’s faster, meaner, colder and faster (Chili’s words, not mine):
“IT’S TIME TO RIDE THE ‘DENTE AGAIN’TE!!!!!!!! Catch Carson Hocevar on the track this weekend in Austin in an all new look… with plenty more to come this season.”
Damn… I wish I was the driver of the Chili’s Presidente Margarita car.
But it makes more sense that Hocevar is in the driver’s seat of the dark Chili’s No. 77 Chevrolet. In fact, it’s the perfect match, and fans are loving it. Because of the Dale Earnhardt comparisons, some online are even calling the new car “The Intimidente.”
While others are just loving the partnership:
I’m so glad you figured out the correct driver of the Chili machine
— Daddy Luttrell 7️⃣7️⃣✝️ (@josephcluttrell) February 24, 2026
This is the best move @Chilis has ever made. I’m about to invest in triple dippers and maybe even invent a septuple dipper for the #77
— Porky (@porksmush) February 24, 2026
AS GOOD AS A TRIPLE DIPPER AND MARG pic.twitter.com/mpDebUePPm
— ☆ ☆ MAP ☆ ☆ (@simplylovelymap) February 24, 2026
Definitely going for a triple dipper while we watch the race on Sunday 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
— Joe (@JB_In_SC) February 24, 2026
@Chilis I will be attending my local triple dipper dispensary within the hour because of this ad. Sensational.
— LosBravosBurner (@MH23Supporter) February 24, 2026
Carson Hocevar is going to help sell a whole lot of Triple Dippers by driving the Chili’s No. 77 car.
Be on the lookout for the “Big Chili” car out on the track, starting this weekend at NASCAR’s Circuit of the Americas. Oh, and I’ve got to mention that even Hocevar himself got in on the replies. He evidently liked the “Man in Black” look that Chili’s helped him achieve:
— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) February 24, 2026
