NY Racing, Syracuse football team up for NASCAR at Watkins Glen

NY Racing announced a landmark partnership with SU Football NIL and the Syracuse University football team ahead of the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, August 10. The Orange will take center stage as a primary sponsor on the No. 44 Chevrolet, driven by veteran racer J.J. Yeley.

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The collaboration marks a unique crossover between college football and motorsports, bringing the identity and legacy of Syracuse University into the NASCAR spotlight.

“I’m excited to be a part of this NASCAR race,” said Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown. “I can’t wait to see the NY Racing Team compete while repping the Orange No. 44 DART.”

The Orange football program is riding momentum from a breakout 2024 campaign, which saw the team finish inside the top 20 of the national polls under Brown’s leadership in his first year at the helm. Syracuse competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

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The partnership carries deep symbolic significance. At Syracuse, the No. 44 is more than a jersey — it’s a revered part of the university’s athletic history. Legendary running backs Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little all wore the number, embedding it into the school’s identity. Even the university’s zip code, 13244, reflects the importance of 44 to the Orange.

This tribute comes full circle for NY Racing Team owner John Cohen, who selected the No. 44 for his NASCAR team in honor of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy and a Syracuse icon.

The race at Watkins Glen International promises to be more than just another entry in the NASCAR Cup Series — it’s a celebration of sports legacy, pride, and a partnership that connects the track to the turf.