STRATFORD, ONTARIO (August 4, 2026) — The NHRA Brainerd Nationals is recognized as one of the most boisterous and fan-friendly motorsports events in the country. This year Spencer Hyde and Outlaw Beer will up the ante with a specially designed Outlaw Beer Funny Car just for the race. Outlaw Beer has been riding with Hyde, the 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year, as well as Elite Motorsports throughout the season joining in the No. 1 qualifier and winner’s circle celebrations.
“Outlaw Beer has been with me since my rookie season, but they stepped up this season in a big way,” said Hyde, who was runner-up at the Arizona Nationals earlier this season. “It was great to take an Outlaw Beer into the press room when I was No. 1 qualifier in Arizona, and we enjoy them quite a lot at the end of the race day. They have been a fantastic partner for our team and the sport overall.”
Outlaw Beer has fit in perfectly with the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and its growing fan base of hard working and down-to-earth attitudes. Their mission of providing great beer for fun-loving consumers resonates perfectly with drag racing fans. The popularity amongst drag racing fans can been seen from NHRA winner’s circles to the World Series of Pro Mod.
“NHRA fans are exactly the kind of people we built Outlaw Beer for,” said Ari Opsahl, CEO of Outlaw Beer. “They’re hardworking, authentic, and they know how to have a good time. Spencer embodies those same values, which is why this partnership has been such a natural fit. We couldn’t think of a better place than Brainerd to debut the Outlaw Beer Funny Car.”
Outlaw Beer believes beer should bring people together, not feel corporate. While the big brands chase shareholders and market share, they’re focused on making a beer they are proud of and building something real with the communities that support them. Their mission is simple: make great beer, have more fun, and bring some character back to the light beer aisle.
Brainerd International Raceway and the Brainerd Nationals are known for celebrating with fans throughout the week in the infamous “Zoo” campground. Hyde and Outlaw Beer will have a presence throughout the race as part of this primary sponsorship. During every driver intro session Hyde consistently throws Outlaw Beer koozies to the fans and plans are in the works for some great fan giveaways in the Zoo.
“Getting to spend time with the fans in the Zoo is a highlight of the Brainerd Nationals,” said Hyde, who has raced to three career final rounds. “Those fans are hardcore drag racing fans and we really appreciate their passion. We usually go out early in the race weekend and this year we will be looking to turn them into Outlaw Beer fans as well as Spencer Hyde fans.”
Hyde will roll into Brainerd after a solid quarterfinal finish in Sonoma. After a significant layoff the Funny Car championship contender will be looking to build momentum for the U.S. Nationals and the Countdown.
For more information on Outlaw Beer visit www.outlawbeer.com and to get information on the Brainerd Nationals visit www.nhra.com.
