Texas has a long history with NASCAR, many drivers would represent the state & we'd see various sponsors represent Texas in its history. But one interesting fact is that while companies like Interstate Batteries or Exxon Mobil would have much success in NASCAR, there's one restaurant chain that Texans know & love that's actually been in NASCAR for over a decade. That of course is Whataburger.

When did Whataburger first race in NASCAR?

One of the first times was back in 2013; Whataburger would present a #99 Chevy Monte Carlo (which you can actually see the images on Whataburger's official website). The driver was none other than a fellow Texas native; David Starr from Houston, Texas.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 Qualifying
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The next year in 2014, David Starr would the #44 Toyota Camry during the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. As you would expect, it would sport the iconic orange with the white writing.

O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 - Qualifying
Jonathan Ferrey
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After that first race, Whataburger would make regular appearance in various NASCAR races for the Xfinity Series. While Boris Said would race a Whataburger car at Circuits of the America in Austin in 2021, David Starr would be the main driver behind the Whataburger car. It would sport different numbers like 6, 13, 61 & 66 & would usually be either a Chevy or a Toyota.

NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Racing Experience 300 - Practice
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NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250
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NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250
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NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300
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However no matter the number, they would always make sure to try to have one race at the Texas Motor Speedway, leading to amazing shots like this:

NASCAR XFINITY Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 300
Sarah Crabill
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In 2023, there was another driver behind the orange & white W car, this being Aric Almirola for Stewart-Haas Racing. He drove his #10 Smithfield Ford Mustang while sporting a special Whataburger paint scheme for the September Kansas race.

That Paint Scheme Guy! via YouTube
That Paint Scheme Guy! via YouTube
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There are actually many more Whataburger paint schemes; thankfully That Paint Scheme Guy on YouTube put a video showing off the various paint jobs since 2013.

I hope to see many more renditions of the classic Whataburger car in NASCAR; hopefully we can see the iconic orange & white take home the checkered flag in the future.

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