Get ready for a splash of nostalgia mixed with cutting-edge innovation—Sunoco is roaring back into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2026, and it’s a partnership that’s turning heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a triumphant return to glory, or a risky bet on a sport that’s evolved dramatically since their last full-season partnership in 1973? Let’s dive in.
Sunoco, the powerhouse behind the largest independent fuel distribution network in the Americas, is teaming up with Chip Ganassi Racing as the primary partner for the No. 8 Honda, piloted by rising star Kyffin Simpson. This multi-year deal isn’t just a reunion—it’s a bold statement. Sunoco’s last stint as INDYCAR’s primary fuel supplier (2010-2018) and their partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2015-2018) laid the groundwork, but this move signals a full-throttle return to the pinnacle of open-wheel racing.
And this is the part most people miss: Sunoco’s history with INDYCAR dates back to 1968, when Mark Donohue drove the No. 12 Sunoco Eagle to victory in the Indianapolis 500 just four years later. Their legacy includes legends like Gary Bettenhausen, Tony Kanaan, NASCAR icon Bobby Allison, and FOX personality Townsend Bell. Now, they’re betting on Simpson, a prodigy who’s already racked up more INDYCAR starts before his 21st birthday than champions like Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, Jimmy Vasser, or Alex Zanardi had at the same age. In 2025 alone, Simpson scored his first podium, three top-five finishes, six top-10s, and a spot in the Firestone Fast Six qualifying round—a clear sign of his potential.
Based in Dallas, Sunoco isn’t just fueling cars; they’re fueling innovation. As the largest manufacturer of race fuels, they’ll use this partnership to spotlight their Sunoco 94 Octane, the highest-octane fuel on the market. This Top Tier fuel promises cleaner, longer, and more efficient engine performance—a game-changer for both racing teams and everyday drivers. Beyond INDYCAR, Sunoco dominates American motorsports, supplying high-performance fuel to over 500 tracks and 50+ racing series nationwide.
Chip Ganassi Racing, fresh off one of the most dominant seasons in INDYCAR history, is the perfect partner. With nine wins, six poles, and 17 podiums in 2025—including victories at the Indianapolis 500 and the INDYCAR championship—the team has cemented its legacy. Since 1990, CGR has amassed 17 INDYCAR championships (tied for the most all-time) and over 145 race wins. Sunoco’s branding will be front and center across all 17 races, ensuring maximum visibility.
“Sunoco has long been synonymous with performance and innovation, values that mirror the DNA of our team,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “To join forces with such an iconic brand and one with a storied legacy in INDYCAR is truly special. This partnership reflects our shared drive to keep pushing boundaries, and we look forward to what we’ll accomplish together on and off the track.”
Here’s the controversial question: Can Sunoco’s return spark a new era of innovation in INDYCAR, or will they struggle to keep up with the sport’s rapid evolution? And what does this mean for the future of fuel technology in racing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
