What’s happening?
23XI and McDonald’s announced Wednesday that the international fast food chain would sponsor Bubba Wallace’s Dayton 500 entry. They revealed the paint scheme on twitter.
What you need to know:
- 23XI has said that they have been selective about – even turning down – potential sponsors for Bubba Wallace’s Cup car.
- McDonalds has sponsored Bubba Wallace in previous seasons.
- The continued support from the world’s foremost fast food franchise indicates the perceived value in sponsoring NASCAR , 23XI, and Bubba Wallace remains strong.
vroom vroom see u in @DAYTONA! š@McDonalds back for year ⢠looking better than ever š#McDPartner #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/OLm2QYgp1Z
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) February 15, 2023
Main Characters
After the announcement Bubba Wallace teased the new look asking if fans were prepared.
Yāall ready?š https://t.co/1h4jdN18Hc
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) February 15, 2023
McDonald’s was feeling extra “racy” about the news.
ill race u there
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) February 15, 2023
But Wendy’s, who is sponsoring Noah Gragson’s 42 Daytona entry, wasn’t “lovin’ it” when it came to the announcement.
— Wendyās (@Wendys) February 15, 2023
The fast food brand rivalry always entertains fans on social media.
UPDATE 11:05 AM CST: With so many fans commenting on the color choices, car designer Blackbeard LTD took to Twitter to provide his perspective. He defends his design by saying it’s what McD’s wanted.
It's part of their color pallet and they wanted it as the base. pic.twitter.com/5SuENnHCaP
— BLACKBEARD LTD (@BLACKBEARDltd) February 15, 2023
UPDATE 11:00 AM CST 2/16: Even Wendy’s CMO has given his stance on the “beef” between the brands and how he feels about the Golden Arches scheme.
š@Wendys CMO @CarlLoredo on the QSR wars in the #Daytona500: "Weāre proud of Noah Gragsonās No. 42 'The BEEF' car, and fans have been praising the paint scheme on social all week long! … We canāt say the same goes for our McBland competitors. At Wendy's, we don't cut corners." pic.twitter.com/35Mx7ZZ63i
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 16, 2023
In the Stands
The paint scheme was met with mixed reviews. Some loved it.

Others weren’t as supportive.
I'm not even a Bubba fan but that car looks stupid!!! Who at McDonald's made the decision on this scheme?!?!??! pic.twitter.com/PXZkR6jNV5
— BIG DADDY (@BigDaddy_Racing) February 15, 2023

Regardless of the opinions on scheme or better fast food chain, The Burger War of 2023 is ready to kick off in the Daytona 500.
From the Pressbox
David Land thinks 23XI took a page from Formula 1 when designing the livery for Wallace.
Taking an innovating page from F1 they've decided to not paint the car to save a gram of weight. https://t.co/uu1BqXUwij
— David Landā¢ā (@DLand91) February 15, 2023
So far, there is no gray area in the takes on the No. 23’s appearance.