The design of Kyle Busch’s car representing the cannabis brand 3CHI, was banned by NASCAR this season. The stand-out issue with the design was the pronounced use of marijuana leaf imagery, which didn’t fit with current NASCAR regulations. While the car never made it to the track, renderings have now been released, offering a glimpse into what could have been groundbreaking branding in NASCAR.
The unconventional design featured a sleek white finish, bold marijuana leaf patterns, and eye-catching gold accents. This design was conceived in collaboration with 3CHI to offer a distinct team identity, but the design hit a regulatory roadblock. 3CHI, a brand focused on hemp-derived cannabinoids, was blocked.
3CHI has its roots in the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids. This legislation spurred a surge in cannabis-related product marketing across various industries, including sports. However, NASCAR, influenced by both its internal guidelines and wider governmental policies, maintains …