Fastenal Co. will replace its familiar blue NASCAR paint scheme with the black-and-orange branding of its Body Guard safety products line as part of an expanded 2026 partnership with RFK Racing.
The move shifts brand prominence from Fastenal’s corporate identity to Body Guard, a private-label line of personal protective equipment and safety supplies sold through the distributor’s branch and onsite network to manufacturing and construction customers.
“This change is more than just a new look; it’s a strategic move to align our marketing efforts with our commitment to providing top quality safety products to our customers,” Pete Watkins, marketing strategist at Fastenal, said in a statement. “The orange and black scheme is bold and memorable, much like our Body Guard products themselves.”
Fastenal said Body Guard’s messaging has evolved from “engineered for survival” to “engineered for safety,” reflecting a broader emphasis on workplace safety.
“Unlike typical private-label products, Body Guard offers high-quality safety solutions designed with extensive expertise,” Brent Roeder, Fastenal’s vice president of sales, said. “We leverage decades of experience and deep technical knowledge as we aim to ensure every product meets or exceeds market standards in quality and performance.”
Beginning with the 2026 NASCAR season, Body Guard branding will appear on the race car, team uniforms and the race hauler, while Fastenal branding will remain in a secondary position. The companies said Fastenal will continue to serve as a key supply partner to RFK Racing’s operations.
“Fastenal is one of RFK Racing’s longest-running partners, and we’re thrilled to continue that relationship with the Body Guard brand,” RFK Racing President Chip Bowers said. “Body Guard represents exceptional performance standards and dependable quality.”
RFK Racing previously featured Body Guard paint schemes for select races, including a 2025 appearance at Talladega. The 2026 season marks the first time the safety brand will serve as the primary visual identity tied to the partnership.
Fastenal operates at approximately 1,600 branches in 25 countries and supplies fasteners, safety products, metal-cutting tools and other industrial and construction supplies to manufacturers, contractors, and government agencies. RFK Racing, founded by Jack Roush and now owned by Roush, driver Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry, is entering its 39th NASCAR season.
Do not miss any content from Distribution Strategy Group. Join our list.
