The Best NASCAR Drinking Games
by Dan Holmes,
April 23, 2025
As long as there have been people, there has been something fun to drink. And as long as there has been alcohol, there have been drinking games. From ancient tavern contests to modern tailgate shenanigans, we humans just love combining competition with a buzz. Enter the world of NASCAR drinking games, where high-speed action meets high-proof entertainment.
For NASCAR fans, tailgating isn’t just a pre-game activity—it’s a way of life. Many fans camp near tracks, turning race weekends into full-blown vacations filled with barbecues, beer, and a whole lot of left turns.
Whether you’re in the grandstands or on your couch, a good NASCAR drinking game can take your race day experience to the next level. Just remember, drink responsibly—because nobody wants to end up wrecked before the checkered flag waves.
What Are NASCAR Drinking Games?
NASCAR drinking games are a way to enhance the fun of race day by adding an extra layer of excitement. These games typically involve taking drinks based on race events like lead changes, crashes, and classic driver antics. There are different variations, from structured NASCAR card drinking games to freeform, spontaneous drinking challenges.
The best NASCAR drinking game will match the energy of the race, keeping fans engaged from the green flag to the victory burnout. Whether you’re betting on a specific driver, hoping for a dramatic pileup (safely, of course), or just enjoying the thrill of stock car racing, these games add an extra gear to your viewing experience.
Please note: never drink more than you can handle, and never ever allow anyone under the legal drinking age to participate in a drinking game. Whether there is a NASCAR race on the television or not, drinking should be something you do for enjoyment, not excess.
Classic NASCAR Drinking Games
1. The Pit Stop Chug
Every time a driver heads to pit road, take a sip. If it’s a slow pit stop (over 15 seconds), take another sip for their misfortune. If a pit crew drops the ball completely (botched tire change, fuel issues, penalties), finish your drink in solidarity. Bottoms up, speed demons.
2. Crank It Up
During the “Crank It Up” segment when the broadcast mutes the commentators and lets the engines roar, you do the same—everyone at the party stops talking and chugs their drink until the commentators come back. This one is for the true diehards.
3. The Big One Slam
If a multi-car crash happens (what we call “The Big One”), everyone watching has to finish their drink. Bonus rule: If your favorite driver is in the wreck, you have to take an extra penalty shot. Skoal!
4. The Underdog Guzzle
If a driver outside the top 20 leads a lap, raise your glass to the underdog and take a solid chug. If they somehow win the stage, drink twice—it’s only fair.
5. Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!
At the start of every race, when the famous phrase “Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let’s go racing, boys!” is shouted, everyone takes a big drink to get things rolling. If you’re feeling bold, pick a driver and drink every time their name is mentioned in the first five laps.
The NASCAR Card Drinking Game
A more structured way to play is with a NASCAR card drinking game. This method involves creating a deck of cards with different race events written on them. Each card corresponds to a specific action—some might instruct you to take a drink, while others might let you assign drinks to others.
Example Setup:
- Caution Flag Draw – Take two drinks
- Lead Change Card – Pick someone to take a drink
- Commercial Break Card – Shot round (optional, depending on your tolerance)
- Driver Interview Card – Everyone drinks
- “It’s Rubbing, Not Racing!” Card – First person to yell it out when two cars make contact gets to distribute five drinks
This style of NASCAR drinking game ensures everyone stays involved and makes every race moment count.
Sample NASCAR Drinking Game in Action
Picture this: You and your buddies are set up in the infield at Talladega, coolers stocked, grills fired up, and the perfect race day playlist humming in the background. You’ve chosen to play “The Big One Slam” game. Lap 12 rolls around, and suddenly, six cars are spinning out of control. Everyone at your tailgate jumps up, hooting and hollering as sparks fly and metal crumples.
You hear someone shout, “That’s gotta be at least a 10-drink wreck!” The group agrees: drinks are finished, shots are poured, and someone has the nerve to say, “That’s the best Big One we’ve seen all year!” The game keeps spirits high (literally and figuratively) as the race roars on.
By the final lap, some folks have switched to water, others are still hanging tough, and one gal is just cheering for “Car Number Red” because she lost track of who’s leading. Classic NASCAR drinking games in action.
Drink Responsibly, Race Fans
While the best NASCAR drinking game can add fun and excitement to race day, it’s important to drink responsibly. Pace yourself, hydrate in between drinks, and make sure everyone has a safe ride home if you’re not watching from a campsite or your couch. NASCAR races are marathons, not sprints—both for the drivers and the fans!
If you’re placing wagers while playing, make sure to check out NASCAR betting sites for the latest odds. Just don’t bet the house after one too many Pit Stop Chugs. Always wager an amount that is within your budget. No one wants to auction off their favorite muscle car just to pay for gambling debts.
Grab your favorite beverage, rally your crew, and let the good times roll. Just remember: in NASCAR and in drinking games, sometimes it’s best to ease off the gas before you spin out.