Penguins on the Track: Stenhouse Jr. and Hyak Motorsports Embrace NFTs with Darlington Paint Scheme

Hyak Motorsports and NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are making waves at Darlington Raceway with a unique paint scheme for the Cook Out Southern 500. The No. 47 Chevrolet will feature a vibrant blue and white design adorned with cartoon penguins from the popular Pudgy Penguins NFT collection, marking a significant crossover between cryptocurrency culture and stock car racing.

A Penguin Pit Crew Takes On Darlington

The striking new look for Stenhouse Jr.'s car was unveiled by Hyak Motorsports on social media, showcasing a design inspired by Pengu, the digital penguin character central to the Pudgy Penguins brand. This collaboration represents a strategic move by Pudgy Penguins, a Web3-native brand focused on community and creativity, to gain mainstream exposure by partnering with major entities like NASCAR.

Key Takeaways

• Hyak Motorsports and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are featuring a Pudgy Penguins NFT-themed paint scheme.

• The design is a bright blue and white Chevrolet with cartoon penguins.

• The partnership aims to bridge the gap between NFT culture and traditional sports.

• Fan reactions are divided, with excitement from some and skepticism from others.

Fan Reactions and Future Implications

The reveal has generated a polarized response from fans. Many have expressed enthusiasm for the bold visual and the innovative sponsorship, with some even requesting diecast models of the car. The crypto community, in particular, has shown strong support, with some fans hoping to acquire a piece of the car after the race. However, a segment of the fanbase has voiced criticism, questioning the relevance of NFT sponsors in 2025 and expressing confusion over the team's diverse sponsorship choices. Despite the mixed reception, this collaboration underscores NASCAR's evolving sponsorship landscape, as teams increasingly explore emerging digital markets for revenue and engagement. The eye-catching penguin car is already succeeding in its primary goal: capturing attention.

Sources

• Hyak and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Blend NASCAR and NFTs With Adorable Darlington Paint Scheme, PFSN.