John Hunter Nemechek is set to drive an OLIPOP-sponsored car themed after The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, hitting theaters December 19, 2025. It’s a wild mashup of Hollywood and NASCAR, blending cartoon nostalgia with high-octane racing.

NASCAR’s no stranger to themed paint schemes, think Cars or Furious 7 tie-ins, but this SpongeBob design, with its bright yellow livery and iconic square face, is pure family-friendly marketing gold. It’s a chance to hook new fans while giving OLIPOP and the movie a spotlight on Cup Series weekends.

The story goes deeper for Nemechek. Back in 2020, he was spotted at a press conference with SpongeBob playing on a TV in the background, a nod to his childhood love for the cartoon. Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time champ and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, made this dream real, putting Nemechek in the SpongeBob car. It’s a full-circle moment for the 28-year-old, whose boyish charm and social media vibe make him the perfect fit for this playful promo.

OLIPOP’s no rookie in NASCAR, with Xfinity and Truck Series deals under its belt, but teaming up with SpongeBob cranks the exposure to eleven. Past movie tie-ins like Jeff Gordon’s Cars 2 scheme in 2011 proved these stunts drive buzz, from diecast sales to social media hype. With the movie dropping in December, Nemechek’s car will run select races to build momentum, a strategy that’s worked for blockbusters like Fast & Furious.

The car’s expected to pop up on TV, with SpongeBob’s face screaming for attention. Unique designs, like Ryan Blaney’s 2022 Paw Patrol Xfinity car, have a knack for stealing the show and boosting merch sales. For Nemechek, it’s not just business, it’s personal. He’s leaned into his cartoon-loving roots, much like Kyle Busch with his cereal-themed cars or Dale Jr.’s patriotic schemes, showing off his personality in a sport that thrives on individuality.

NASCAR’s pushing hard to stay fresh, and this deal with OLIPOP and a global icon like SpongeBob shows it. It’s not just about racing, it’s about connecting with fans beyond the track, from kids watching cartoons to adults buying soda. The timing’s perfect, aligning with the movie’s release to maximize hype. Johnson’s role in making it happen ties his legacy to a new generation, and Nemechek’s living proof that dreams, even goofy ones, can hit the big stage.

Reddit’s been a riot over this news, with fans cracking up at the idea of SpongeBob speeding around Daytona.

Fans on Reddit are losing it

“So this is how I learn of a new SpongeBob movie. Hopefully it doesn’t flop at the box office,” one fan quipped. The paint scheme doubles as a movie trailer, just like Cars and Furious 7 did, pulling in fans who might miss a theater ad. With OLIPOP’s push and NASCAR’s reach, it’s a savvy way to hype the December 19, 2025, release, and fans are loving the crossover chaos.

“It’s going to wreck most hilariously,” another joked, picturing the bright yellow car in a classic NASCAR pile-up. Themed cars like Jimmie Johnson’s 2015 Minions ride always spark crash memes, but they’re fan magnets, even if they don’t win. The SpongeBob livery’s bold design is built for attention, not just speed, and fans know it’ll light up broadcasts and social media.

“He actually looks like the one driver that watches SpongeBob,” a user laughed, nailing Nemechek’s youthful vibe. At 28, he’s got the energy to pull off a cartoon car, much like his brother or other young guns connecting with new fans. His 2020 presser with SpongeBob on the TV seals the deal; he is the guy for this gig.

“Remember Jimmie Johnson driving a paint scheme promoting the first movie?” one fan recalled, tying it to Johnson’s 2004 Shrek 2 car. Movie tie-ins are NASCAR staples, churning out collectibles and buzz. Johnson’s role in Nemechek’s deal feels like a nod to that history, and fans are geeking out over the connection.

“If Erik Jones doesn’t have a Patrick version, what are we even doing?” another teased, dreaming of a Patrick Star-themed car for another driver. Multi-car promos, like Stewart-Haas’ 2021 Star Wars schemes, create mini-rivalries and merch goldmines. Fans see this as a chance to double down on the SpongeBob hype, and they’re all in for the laughs.