Hooters’ Collapse Shakes NASCAR Chase Elliott Loses 7-Year Sponsor, Tony Stewart’s Wife Stunned!

In 1991, Alan Kulwicki started the NASCAR season without a primary sponsor. However, his impressive performances caught the attention of Hooters, a popular restaurant chain known for its wings, beer, and waitresses in bright orange shorts. During the fourth race of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Kulwicki secured pole position, and Hooters saw an opportunity after being disappointed by Mark Stahl, who failed to qualify.

A one-race sponsorship deal quickly transformed into a long-term partnership. The following year, Kulwicki, with the Hoot Owl logo proudly displayed on his car, won the 1992 Cup Series Championship, securing his place in NASCAR history. Tragically, in 1993, Kulwicki lost his life in a plane crash, abruptly ending what could have been an even greater legacy. Devastated, Hooters pulled out of NASCAR sponsorships, marking the end of an era.

Hooters’ Comeback with Chase Elliott and the #9 Team

After years of absence, Hooters made a partial return to NASCAR in 2003, occasionally sponsoring select drivers. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that they fully re-emerged, forming a multi-year deal with Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports (HMS).

This partnership mirrored the historic bond Hooters had with Kulwicki, and just three years later, in 2020, Elliott won the Cup Series Championship. It was a nostalgic moment for longtime NASCAR fans, as the Hooters brand once again found itself associated with a championship-winning driver.

However, cracks started appearing in the relationship in 2023. Hooters suddenly backed out of the Richmond race, citing “business obligations.” This mysterious withdrawal fueled speculation about financial struggles, and in 2024, the partnership between Hooters and HMS officially ended. Reports surfaced that the restaurant chain had shut down multiple locations, and recent news suggests that Hooters might be on the verge of filing for bankruptcy.

Tony Stewart’s Wife, Leah Pruett, Takes It Personally

Among those devastated by Hooters’ potential collapse is Leah Pruett, the wife of NASCAR legend Tony Stewart and a NHRA drag racing champion. Pruett has been a longtime fan of Hooters’ famous chicken wings, particularly their “3 Mile Island” wings, known for their fiery heat.

When news broke of Hooters’ potential bankruptcy filing, Pruett took to Instagram to express her disappointment. She shared a screenshot of the report and wrote:

“How will I get my 3-Mile Island wings now? “

To emphasize her sadness, she even added a South Park avatar of Eric Cartman screaming “Noooo!” along with the song “It’s Just a Burning Memory” by The Caretaker, symbolizing the possible demise of an iconic brand.

Her reaction wasn’t surprising—Hooters has been a staple in American sports culture for over four decades, and its connection to motorsports runs deep.

Hooters’ Financial Struggles: $300 Million in Debt and Closing Locations

Last Friday, Bloomberg reported that Hooters of America and its creditors are currently discussing a potential bankruptcy plan to restructure debt and stabilize the company. Legal firm Ropes & Gray has reportedly been brought in to oversee the process, and a court filing could be expected within the next two months.

This is hardly a surprise—Hooters has been dealing with:

• Massive debt accumulation
• Liquidity issues
• Decreasing foot traffic in restaurants

In 2023, reports surfaced that Hooters had approximately $300 million in debt. As a result, 40 underperforming locations across the United States were forced to close in 2024.

Hooters’ struggles were already evident in 2021, when they sold $300 million in asset-backed bonds, effectively using their business as collateral. By July 2024, more closures were announced, and fans noticed a significant increase in menu prices—a sign of deeper financial problems.

Even their famous dollar-wing deal couldn’t compete with rivals like Houligan’s Wally Wings or the creatively named Frankenstein Wings at Merk’s Bar & Grill in New Smyrna Beach.

Devin Booker, Kevin Love, and Paige Spiranac React

Leah Pruett isn’t the only sports personality worried about Hooters’ future. Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker reacted on social media, tweeting:

“Plz don’t go @Hooters.”

Similarly, Kevin Love of the Miami Heat shared his sadness on Instagram:

“Sad to see the fall of an absolute institution!!! If anyone can save it—it’s the two on the next slide.”

He humorously attached an AI-generated image of himself and Kevin Durant enjoying wings at Hooters, implying they could be the brand’s saviors.

Golf influencer Paige Spiranac also chimed in, definitely posting:

“Not on my watch!”

The outpouring of support from athletes shows just how ingrained Hooters is in American sports culture.

Hooters vs. Hendrick Motorsports: The Legal Battle

Beyond financial troubles, Hooters is also facing legal issues. After failing to meet sponsorship commitments in 2024, Hendrick Motorsports sued the restaurant chain over unpaid sponsorship money.

Initially, Hooters was supposed to be the primary sponsor for three races in 2024. Elliott even won the Texas race with the Hooters branding. However, the company pulled out before the Richmond race, leaving HMS scrambling for a replacement sponsor.

This breach of contract prompted Hendrick Motorsports to take legal action, adding to Hooters’ already long list of problems.

Will NASCAR Lose a Piece of Its History?

With Hooters on the verge of collapse, NASCAR fans are wondering:

Will the sport lose an iconic piece of its sponsorship history?

For decades, Hooters has been associated with NASCAR legends, from Alan Kulwicki to Chase Elliott. Their sponsorships, events, and branding have been a major part of the NASCAR experience.

If bankruptcy leads to a permanent shutdown, it could mark the end of an era for both racing and sports culture.

What’s Next for Chase Elliott?

Despite losing Hooters as a sponsor, Chase Elliott remains a top contender in the Cup Series. Hendrick Motorsports has already secured other sponsorships to fill the gap, but none carry the same nostalgic weight as Hooters.

As Elliott continues his career, fans will watch closely to see who steps up to sponsor the #9 team next—and whether NASCAR will ever see Hooters’ signature orange and white branding on the track again.

For now, one thing is certain: NASCAR fans, celebrities, and even athletes like Leah Pruett are hoping this isn’t the last we see of Hooters in motorsports.