NASCAR’s Ricky Stenhouse Honors Hulk Hogan with Tribute Car and Decal

NASCAR’s Ricky Stenhouse Honors Hulk Hogan with Tribute Car and Decal

NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is paying a heartfelt tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan by showcasing the Real American Beer brand on his No. 47 race car. Stenhouse partnered with the beverage company, which Hogan founded, back in June of this year.

Hogan, who passed away last month at the age of 71 after battling various health issues, left a tremendous legacy in the world of sports entertainment. Stenhouse, a two-time Xfinity Series champion, previously featured a variety of brands on his car; however, he is reverting to the American flag-themed design to honor Hogan’s memory.

Saluting a Legend in Style

The Real American Beer brand made its debut on Stenhouse’s car during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 8. To pay homage to Hogan, Stenhouse will return to the patriotic design at the upcoming race at Watkins Glen International.

A special addition to the car will feature a new decal that proclaims “HULKAMANIA FOREVER,” alongside an iconic image of Hogan famously ripping his shirt. This image has become synonymous with tributes to the wrestling legend.

Statements from Real American Beer

Chad Bronstein, co-founder of Real American Beer, expressed deep appreciation for Hogan’s influence. In remarks made to TMZ Sports, he stated, “Hulk built Hulkamania and Real American Beer with strength, pride, and resilience — for the fans, for their communities, for our country. Real American Beer is here to carry on Hulk’s legacy. We’re grateful to Hyak Motorsports for helping us honor him and carry his commitment to his fans forward.”

Supporting the Tribute with Social Media

The announcement of the tribute and the modified car design was initially shared on social media by Hyak Motorsports, which featured an image of Stenhouse alongside the Real American Beer vehicle. The accompanying Instagram caption simply read, “This one’s for Hulk.”

A Legacy Remembered

Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable. He became the face of the then-World Wrestling Federation and won numerous championships throughout his illustrious career. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame two times, first in 2005 and again in 2020 as part of the New World Order faction.

In 2024, Hogan took a bold step by launching Real American Beer, a brand named after the music that played as he entered the ring. Moreover, he established Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion, in April 2025. Even in his later years, he made occasional appearances in the WWE, with his final appearance occurring in January 2025 in Los Angeles.

Hogan’s Final Ventures

Hogan was preparing to collaborate with former wrestling executive Eric Bischoff on a new project called Real American Freestyle, aiming to rejuvenate freestyle wrestling. He also engaged in political endeavors, speaking in support of President Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention and at a rally in Madison Square Garden last year.

His contributions significantly shaped the WWE landscape, and following his death, an outpouring of tributes surfaced from across the sports world. The WWE honored him with a poignant 10-bell salute on the Friday edition of “SmackDown!” just a day after his passing.

Closing Reflections on a Cultural Icon

Stenhouse’s tribute car and the accompanying decal offer a touching reminder of Hogan’s enduring legacy in both wrestling and broader pop culture. Fans and enthusiasts of both NASCAR and professional wrestling can look forward to seeing this tribute at the track as Stenhouse races in honor of a true legend.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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