Ajinomoto To Sponsor Ryan Ellis at Las Vegas
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. will feature its branding on the No. 02 Chevrolet for the October 3 race.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
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Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. has announced a partnership with driver Ryan Ellis and Young's Motorsports for the upcoming Focused Health 302. The event will take place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 3, 2026.
Why it matters
The company aims to leverage the NASCAR platform to introduce its frozen food portfolio, which includes brands like José Olé and Ling Ling, to a wider audience. This sponsorship allows the firm to highlight its products to the dedicated fan base attending the race weekend.
The Focused Health 302 spans 201 laps for a total of 301.5 miles on the 1.5-mile track. The event serves as the 28th race of the 33-race NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
The players
Ryan Ellis
He is a professional NASCAR driver who competes in the No. 02 Chevrolet for Young's Motorsports.
Young's Motorsports
This is a professional racing team that competes in various series under the NASCAR umbrella.
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc.
The company is a major producer of frozen food brands including José Olé, Ling Ling, and Tai Pei.
The details
Ajinomoto branding will appear on the No. 02 Chevrolet throughout the race weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Driver Ryan Ellis previously secured a 13th-place finish at this venue in 2023.
Timeline
The Focused Health 302 occurs on October 3, 2026.
Practice is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. with qualifying at 12:05 p.m. on race day.
The green flag for the race will drop at 4:30 p.m. on October 3, 2026.
Ryan Ellis earned a 13th-place finish at the track in 2023.
The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season will conclude in early November 2026.
Season Trajectory
This race represents the 28th stop in a 33-race calendar, placing it deep into the season as teams position themselves for the finale. The outcome at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will impact how drivers carry momentum into the concluding weeks of the series.
The race will be contested over 201 laps, making fuel strategy and tire management critical on the 1.5-mile track. Fantasy participants should note that Ryan Ellis previously secured a 13th-place finish at this specific venue in 2023.
The takeaway
NASCAR remains a high-visibility marketing vehicle for consumer food brands seeking to engage with national audiences. Fans attending the race should plan for a full day of activity starting with practice sessions at 11:00 a.m. on race day.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit the Motorsports section.
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