Dressed in pure charisma and fueled by decades of high-energy entertainment, two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair made his presence felt at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, bringing his trademark energy and “Flair Spirits” to The Last Great Colosseum.
The 16-time world champion, known globally as “The Nature Boy,” took center stage as his liquor brand served as the primary sponsor for driver Josh Bilicki and the No. 66 car.
For Flair, based in Charlotte since his early years in pro wrestling in the 1970s, the crossover between professional wrestling and stock car racing is a natural alignment of two fiercely passionate fan bases.
“I think wrestling fans and NASCAR fans have a lot in common,” Flair said. “They find someone they follow and they’re loyal to them. Whether it’s a good guy or a bad guy — kind of like when Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Sr. were going at it — that real emotion is what makes both sports work.”
The sponsorship venture was spearheaded by Flair’s business partner, Ray Tom Smith, who spent two years developing the spirit line before aligning with team owner Carl Long and Bilicki for the race at Bristol.
While Flair built his legendary career taking risks inside the ring, he expressed deep admiration for the bravery required on the high-banked concrete track.
“It takes a great deal of courage to be out there at 160, 180 miles an hour, bumper-to-bumper,” Flair said. “I could have never done it in my wildest dreams. The competition, the danger, and the passion are what keep people coming back.”
Flair’s ties to East Tennessee span decades, having performed in front of sold-out crowds in Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol throughout his wrestling career. His appearance at the track coincides with an influx of mainstream star power in NASCAR, joining celebrity team owners and guests like Michael Jordan and Brad Pitt.
As engines roared at the half-mile oval, Flair summed up the excitement of bringing his brand to one of racing’s most iconic venues.
“Bristol has always been known for big personalities and fans who aren’t afraid to make noise,” Flair said. “We’re just here to make it rock and roll.”
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