Press Release · Jan 18, 2023

Island Brands USA Races Into 2023 as a Primary Sponsor of NASCAR Driver Kaz Grala and Sam Hunt Racing

Teaming up with young-hotshot driver Kaz Grala and Sam Hunt Racing, Island Brands will be a sponsor of the team’s No. 26 Toyota GR Supra for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

In a partnership primed for racing greatness, Island Brands USA has proudly signed on as primary sponsor of star driver Kaz Grala and the Sam Hunt Racing team’s No. 26 Toyota GR Supra throughout the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

Kaz and Island Brands USA have similar origin stories in that they’re both young disruptors in their industries but have already demonstrated excellence by winning major awards. Island Brands, a lifestyle company that produces premium products across multiple segments in the adult beverage space, recently ranked on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. Kaz became the youngest NASCAR winner in the history of Daytona International Speedway when he was just 18.

Island Brands will have primary branding in 16 races (see schedule below), including separate Island Coastal Lager and CRUSH paint schemes on the team’s No. 26 Toyota GR Supra. The partnership also includes branded firesuits, and helmet designs.

Through the sponsorship, Island Brands will reach NASCAR’s 80 million fans, turbocharging the company’s global awareness. Island Brands brought on Hilary Johnson, an expert in the brand sponsorship space with experience at MolsonCoors and Penske Racing, as Director of Sports Marketing to oversee this and other initiatives.

“We couldn’t be more stoked about teaming up with Kaz at this pivotal moment in his career as he joins the crew at Sam Hunt Racing,” said Scott Hansen, CEO, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Island Brands USA. “As a fast-growing lifestyle brand that caters to active and socially conscious consumers, Island Brands knows that NASCAR is a perfect place to expand our company’s reach and recognition throughout the world, and Kaz is the perfect partner for us.”

“This partnership with Island Brands is a match made in heaven for me,” said Kaz Grala, 24-year-old driver of Sam Hunt Racing’s No. 26 machine. “They’re a cool, young brand with clean beverages that fit my lifestyle perfectly. I know our fanbase is going to absolutely love each one of their products. Together, we’re going to help everyone find their island this year, and CRUSH the competition. See you in Daytona!”