Those who know Brainerd International Raceway understand beer isn’t just a beverage during the NHRA national event. It’s part of the culture. That’s what makes Spencer Hyde’s Outlaw Beer Funny Car branding feel less like a sponsorship activation and more like perfect timing.
Hyde will unveil a special Outlaw Beer livery at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, bringing the brand to one of the most recognizable stops on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule. The one-race design highlights Outlaw Beer’s expanding partnership with the 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year and Elite Motorsports.
For years, Brainerd’s legendary Zoo campground has helped define the event’s identity, drawing thousands of fans who turn race week into one of drag racing’s biggest celebrations. Hyde believes the atmosphere makes the Minnesota event the ideal place to showcase the Outlaw Beer Funny Car.
“Outlaw Beer has been with me since my rookie season, but they stepped up this season in a big way,” Hyde said. “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.”
The partnership has grown throughout the season, with Outlaw Beer appearing in Hyde’s approach to nitro racing.
“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.”
The Canadian driver has advanced to three career final rounds, including a runner-up finish at the Arizona Nationals earlier this season, and heads to Brainerd after reaching the quarterfinals in Sonoma.
The Outlaw Beer presence will extend beyond the race car.
Hyde has become known for tossing Outlaw Beer koozies into the grandstands during driver introductions, and additional fan promotions are planned throughout the weekend, including appearances in the Zoo campground.
“Getting to spend time with the fans in the Zoo is a highlight of the Brainerd Nationals,” Hyde said. “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.”
