Beef took center stage during NASCAR’s opening week as drivers raced to the checkered flag – and the beef – in Daytona.
Austin Hill joins a prestigious list as back-to-back winner of the 2023 Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, once again partnered with Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the 42nd annual NASCAR Xfinity Series season opening race, one day before the iconic DAYTONA 500. For the second year in a row, Austin Hill drove into victory lane where he was greeted by a buckle and the beef to close out a week that showcased all things beef and agriculture to race fans young and old.
“The race outdoes itself every year, and continues to be a huge hit among NASCAR fans,” said Clark Price, Federation Division Vice Chair for NCBA, “It’s an honor to be here for a third year to once again showcase the values of cattle farming and ranching that resonate with fans, and bring everyone together with beef on the grill.”
The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300 is part of DAYTONA Speedweeks presented by AdventHealth. Throughout the week, race fans had a chance to interact with farmers and ranchers, try their hand at roping, and of course taste some delicious beef at the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. midway tent. Additionally, campers and tailgaters who sported signs showing they were grilling beef were surprised with beef gear, from steak seasoning packets to shirts and bags.
For race fans not able to join the tailgate in person, a satellite media tour took the tailgate to them. Just two days before the race, award winning chef Ryan Clark, Tucson’s Iron Chef for three consecutive years and Executive Chef for the AAA 4-Diamond and Forbes 4-Star Hotel Casino Del Sol, was live from the track for interviews with TV and radio stations across the country. Chef Clark shared two of his favorite race day recipes – a Beef, Beer & Cheese Dip and BBQ Beef Sliders – both perfect for tailgating, or homegating.
And it wasn’t just race fans getting in on the fun, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and members of the media were all treated to delicious beef meals prepared by chefs from the Beef Loving Texans on behalf of beef farmers and ranchers everywhere.
Finally, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand was also showcased nationwide through various advertising efforts before and during the race. In addition to signage on the racetrack, funding from several State Beef Councils allowed for commercials showcasing beef to a national audience on FS1 during the race. Ads were also featured on various digital platforms and billboards could be seen in the Daytona International Airport and along the highway approaching the speedway. To learn more about the race and view all of the recipes showcased at the track, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com, and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
