Owensboro Distillery Joins NY Racing Team for Daytona 500

The 2025 Daytona 500 is happening this weekend, with one car sporting the logo of a familiar distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky.

The Super Bowl is in the books, and now it's time to move on to the next big televised sports event — the Daytona 500. The race will officially kick off the 2025 NASCAR season as 40 cars battle it out for the first checkered flag of the year. It’s typically the most-watched race of the season, with 2024 securing an estimated 6 million viewers.

As usual, each individual car will feature a main sponsor, such as Chris Stapleton's Traveler Whiskey on JR Motorsports' new No. 40 Chevrolet. However, that won’t be the only whiskey sponsor to grace the hood of a Cup car during the race. NY Racing Team has also secured an adult beverage sponsor, and this one comes straight out of Owensboro.

Green River Distillery: 'The Whiskey Without Regrets'

Green River is known as "The Whiskey Without Regrets" and has been practicing its craft since 1885. In fact, Green River products are still made on the same hallowed grounds in Owensboro, where the distillery was originally founded. Popular offerings include their famous Straight Rye Whiskey and a variety of bourbons.

The distillery is also open to visitors, where they can not only get a glimpse of the whiskey-making process but also have the opportunity to sample the final product. Green River Distillery is located at 10 Distillery Rd. in Owensboro and is the 10th oldest distillery licensed in the state.

Green River Distillery to Sponsor NY Racing Team at Daytona 500

Green River will receive national attention at Daytona as the primary sponsor of NY Racing Team’s No. 44 Chevrolet. This marks Green River’s first foray into NASCAR, with the car featuring its signature green color and brown accents. The No. 44 Chevrolet will be driven by J.J. Yeley, who currently competes part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, NY Racing Team does not have a NASCAR charter and will need to qualify for one of the four open spots to secure a place in the race.