Red Bull has had a notable but challenging history in NASCAR. The company initially entered the sport with a racing team in the mid-2000s, aiming to create a championship-worthy outfit. However, this venture was less successful compared to its Formula 1 efforts, leading to the closure of its NASCAR team after the 2011 season. For those interested in the detailed story of this period, a comprehensive overview is available.
Since then, Red Bull had mostly stayed out of NASCAR, only to return in 2025 as a sponsor through athletes Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. Their backing has been visible in several Cup and Xfinity Series races, supporting both drivers. Notably, when Van Gisbergen won at Sonoma, it marked Red Bull’s first victory in stock car racing in nearly 14 years. This milestone invites a look back at all Red Bull’s wins in the Cup Series, which, unlike its dominance in Formula 1 with over 100 wins and multiple championships, were limited in NASCAR.
The first Red Bull win came with Brian Vickers on August 16, 2009, at Michigan. Vickers secured pole position in the No. 83 Toyota and despite only leading 12 laps, a crucial fuel strategy allowed him to take the lead late and hold on for the win. This was the team’s first Cup Series victory.
The second win happened on November 13, 2011, at Phoenix with Kasey Kahne. In what was Red Bull’s final NASCAR race before shutting down its operation, Kahne started 10th and took the lead late in the race after strategic pit stops and issues with the leaders. Kahne’s victory ended his 80-race winless streak and gave Red Bull a last moment of glory in NASCAR.
The most recent win for Red Bull in NASCAR came on July 13, 2025, at Sonoma with Shane Van Gisbergen driving for Trackhouse Racing. After a strong performance leading 97 of 110 laps, Van Gisbergen secured the win despite challenges from rivals. Red Bull’s role as a primary sponsor has helped highlight this victory, signaling the brand’s successful return to the sport.
Fan Take: Red Bull’s return to NASCAR as a sponsor and its recent victories inject fresh excitement into the series, showing that the brand is still capable of making an impact despite past setbacks. For NASCAR fans, this resurgence not only brings thrilling competition but also hints at a promising future with more high-profile partnerships and wins on the horizon.
