When Dale Earnhardt Jr announced he was leaving DEI at the end of the season, fans eagerly awaited news as to where he would end up. Debates as to the pros and cons of this team or that abounded. The second question many had was "What will happen with the Budweiser sponsorship?"
We now know the answer to the first question, but no definitive answers has been given on the second question. Dale Jr and Hendrick Motorsports have announced that "There is no room at the Inn" for the Bud sponsorship. Reporters have pegged everyone from Kasey Kahne to Kyle Busch to JJ Yeley as candidates for the ride.
Why the fuss? Well, Anheuser-Busch doles cash out for sponsorships like blogs on Michael Vick pop up on foxsports.com. They fund many motorsports awards and sponsorships, as well as sponsoring concerts, football, baseball and basketball.
In Nascar alone, there is the Bud Shootout, the Bud Pole and of course, the Bud car sponsorship. Dale Jr has enjoyed the perks of the Bud sponsorship, such as: a fully stocked cooler of Bud; opportunities to go to the MLB All-Star game; his own "One Night Stand" Series of appearances with concerts by his favorite artists; and the PR magic of Fingerprint, Inc. a/k/a Jade Gurss.
It's easy to see why this is a coveted sponsorship.
So, who really is the front runner? And what team will get this gem of a sponsorship?
The Suspects:
Gillett - Evernham Motorsports: Kasey Kahne confirmed at Pocono that he had spoken to Bud representatives. But, as yet, no announcement has been made. Why it may happen: Kasey has a growing, young fan base. Why not?: Lackluster performance by whole team this year. Evernham - Crocker mess. Will Dodge let their most visible face go hawk another product?
Hendrick Motorsports: Who told us Dale Jr would absolutely not be going to Hendrick? And what happened? Why it's a go: Keep the most popular drivier, and a visible face of Budweiser. Hendrick has worked with Bud before. Why not: Hendrick has long term contracts with Pepsi, probably to the exclusion of other beverages.
DEI: Bud has never formally announced they were leaving DEI, but the hints have definitely been there. Why stay: Long term relationship has been good to both sides of the equation. New merger with Ginn gives Bud a chance at young drivers or an old, respected hand, Mark Martin. Why go: How easy will it be for another driver to hop into the #8 Bud car? Would there be fan backlash to the sponsor? New engines with RCR have not quite panned out - yet.
Roush: With five teams, surely there is room for a new sponsor. Why: Bud would have a pick of prior champ Matt Kenseth, veteran Greg Biffle, or young guns David Ragan, or Carl Edwards. Why not: Paramount is that Roush has sponsors to spare in that he has to trim a team by 2009. There's also that sponsorship with Crown Royal that could be a problem...
Gibbs: Joe and JD Gibbs announced that they were not interested in the sponsorship when Dale Jr was a free agent. However, they do participate in the Bud Pole award. Why: Kyle Busch in particular has a sassy attitude that Bud may meld into a likeable personality. Why Not: Which sponsor would give way? Home Depot is likely to stick with Stewart. FedEx is satisfied with Hamlin, and Interstate Batteries is thrilled to have Busch. While Gibbs may participate in Bud sponsored events, that is a long way from promoting alcohol 24/7.
Penske: Lots of bang for a buck here, as Penske has operations in multiple series. Why: With rumors of Sam Hornish Jr bouncing over from IndyCar, Penske may be shopping for a new sponsor. And Hornish already looks good in Bud Red. Why Not: Miller Lite may not be keen on a rival funding the team. Penske has owned the MIller Lite sponsorship for a long time, and presumably has a good relationship with the corporation. What does the third team drink in victory lane? Bud or Lite?
RCR: Solid team making a great comeback after a couple less than stellar years. Why: AT&T may be on the way out the door with the latest ruling. Why Not: There's the small issue of the Jack Daniel's sponsorship. Plus, Jeff Burton, great driver that he is, may not be Bud's idea of a pitchman to 20 somethings.
Michael Waltrip: Never underestimate Michael Waltrip's ability to sell the deal, and he has on staff several pilched DEI employees. Why: He's shown he's willing to take a risk and could add a fourth team. Other major sponsors like NAPA, UPS and Burger King seem comfortable with the team. Why not: Bud doesn't want the car sitting in the hauler on race day. It needs to be on the track.
Bill Davis: Small team, but big heart. BD has Dave Blaney, who seems to be the driver who could. This teams produces big results on a small budget. Who knows what would happen with the big bucks of Bud? Why: Needs sponsor, has drivers available to drive. Why Not: Qualifying issues. Does Bud want to be building a team, or working with a top-flight team?
Robby Gordon: This team keeps on, changing sponsors, manufacturers and crew members right and left. They are on the cusp of something big. Why: Gordon flits through series like no one else. Bud could sponsor across the board - Baja, Dakar etc. Gordon is hard charging, a winning driver. Why Not: Does their PR guy really want this much work?
Ganassi: Brash drivers abound at this organization. Why: Montoya could open up the Hispanic market for Bud. Why Not: Coors.
Petty: Given Richard Petty's promise to his mother, this organization is not in play. They do not participate in the Bud Pole award.
I think Evernham looks like a good fit, but I'm not sure Hendrick or DEI is out of the running. What do you think?
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