"Skoal Bandit" refers to a sponsorship deal between the Skoal smokeless tobacco brand and NASCAR driver Harry Gant in the 1980s and early 1990s. Gant, known as "Handsome Harry" or "Mr. September" for his success in that month, drove the No. 33 car in the NASCAR Cup Series for car owner Hal Needham.
The Skoal Bandit sponsorship was highly visible during Gant's racing career. The car featured a distinctive green and white paint scheme adorned with the Skoal Bandit logo. Gant achieved considerable success during this period, winning races and contending for championships.
The Skoal Bandit sponsorship became iconic in NASCAR history, with Gant's green and white car becoming instantly recognizable to fans. Gant's success, combined with the sponsorship, helped elevate the visibility of both the driver and the Skoal brand within the NASCAR community.
Despite tobacco sponsorship becoming less prevalent in motorsports due to changing regulations and societal attitudes towards tobacco advertising, the Skoal Bandit era remains a significant part of NASCAR history, particularly in the context of Gant's successful racing career.