Since we are still in the Olympics break, we might as well dive into an engaging NASCAR topic. The 2024 season has showcased some intriguing paint schemes that have caught the eye of fans. Ross Chastain’s icy blue Busch Light-sponsored No. 1 Chevy in Kansas was a standout, seemingly cooling down the track with its frosty hue. Meanwhile, William Byron’s yellow Raptor-sponsored No. 24 car was a vibrant burst of energy, capturing the wild essence of the sport. However, not all sponsors have kept up with this trend of creative and colorful designs, particularly Monster Energy, whose paint schemes have remained notably drab.
Monster Energy has been a prominent sponsor in NASCAR since 2017, supporting top-tier drivers such as Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs, and Riley Herbst. Despite their stellar performances this season, Monster Energy’s choice to stick with a more subdued and repetitive color scheme has left NASCAR fans scratching their heads and yearning for a fresh look.
The ‘Monster’ is in the spotlight
Monster Energy’s presence in NASCAR has been significant since they signed on in late 2016, replacing Sprint as the lead sponsor. Known for their edgy and youthful image, Monster Energy helped NASCAR attract a younger fan base. Although Monster’s title sponsorship ended in 2019, their continued support for top drivers has kept them in the limelight. This year, Tyler Reddick started the season with a bang, driving the No. 45 Toyota featuring Monster’s new alcoholic beverage, Nasty Beast, with 6% ABV. The paint scheme, a striking yellow and black design with a monstrous eye, was a departure from Monster’s usual green claw marks, and it made quite an impression when Reddick drove it to Victory Lane at Duel 1 in Daytona.
Renold Aparicio, VP of Equity Brands at Monster Brewing, celebrated Reddick’s win, stating, “What a perfect way to unleash our new Nasty Beast on the world of NASCAR. And no better man to do it. Tyler Reddick is the one to fear this season.” Reddick has indeed proven to be a formidable competitor, achieving multiple runner-up finishes and maintaining a strong position in the points standings.
In addition to Reddick, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs has also had a strong start to his second Cup year, securing five top-5 finishes. Meanwhile, Riley Herbst has made significant strides in the Xfinity Series. After a win in Las Vegas last year, Herbst went through a dry spell but has rebounded spectacularly in 2024 with four top-5 finishes and a win at Indianapolis.
NASCAR fans clamor for a wardrobe change
Despite these successes, NASCAR fans are voicing their desire for Monster Energy to revamp its paint schemes. Given the brand’s extensive range of beverage flavors, sticking to the same black and green design seems uninspired to many. Fans have taken to social media, expressing their wish for Monster to showcase its diverse offerings through more vibrant and varied car designs. One fan commented, “I wish Monster advertised all their different flavors instead of the basic black and green.”
Monster Brewing Company, founded in 2015, is known for its diverse lineup of craft beers and flavored malt beverages, including Dale’s Pale Ale, Dallas Blonde, Wild Basin hard seltzers, and the newly introduced Nasty Beast Hard Tea. NASCAR fans believe that this creativity should be reflected in their car designs as well. Some have even offered their own imaginative suggestions. One fan envisioned a mango-themed car to beat the summer heat, saying, “Imagine the mango juice Monster as a car that’d be chef’s kiss.” Another fan proposed a tangy fruit punch design: “The fruit punch scheme would be insane.”
Additionally, fans have suggested a Coca-Cola collaboration, given Coca-Cola’s partial ownership of Monster Energy. One fan imagined a Dia de los Muertos-themed car for Daniel Suarez, combining Monster Energy’s edgy image with a culturally significant and visually striking design. “With Suarez as a Coca-Cola (they own ~17% of Monster) driver, he could drive it as a Dia de los Muertos car,” the fan suggested, adding that the spooky theme could also be used around Halloween.
Evidently, NASCAR fans are not satisfied with Monster Energy’s current design approach. Unless the brand updates its look soon, these creative ideas might continue to flood their inboxes. The call for change is clear: fans want Monster Energy to match the excitement and diversity of their drivers’ performances with equally dynamic and innovative paint schemes.
