Budweiser to Pepsi, Earnhardt to Kahne

By Bruce Simmons, the Fan Reporter

First, the collective NASCAR world was mesmerized as Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced that he is leaving his long time team of DEI, headed by his step-mother, Teresa Earnhardt and going to Hendrick Motorsports, headed by Dale’s long time friend Rick Hendrick.

Then, the statement, "We have agreements in place with sponsors for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, which prevent us from having a relationship with Budweiser," from team owner Rick Hendrick, was the second shock we, the fans had to endure through the transition of where Dale Earnhardt Jr has been, and where he has chosen to go.

Following that announcement, Dale Jr. announced his dissolution of his own personal contracts with Budweiser, showing the power of the potential new sponsor maybe.

After Budweiser, who could possibly take their place on Jr.’s hood? The most popular rumors right now are that Pepsi-co is lined up with one of their products to adorn his hood, and that feels like the right replacement to me.

In reality, at the moment, it is all conjecture as to who Jr.’s new sponsor for 2008 will be, but whenever it is announced, the consumer rush to refill their memorabilia coffers with new hats, die-casts, jackets, etc. will be on in a big way! Hopefully though, for you tattoo wearers, I’d say hold off on any new numbers or sponsor tats for a while.

As far as Budweiser goes, they’ve sponsored Darrel Waltrip in the mid 80’s, Kenny Schrader in the 90’s and Jr. from 99 to 2007. Where Budweiser goes next can be a milestone for the driver they decide to go with, and present rumors seem to point to Kasey Kahne. He basically already drives a red car, and Dodge has made statements to the affect that any deals Gillett Evernham Racing might make for a primary or shared sponsorship would be ok with them.

If true, I think Kasey Kahne and Budweiser can be a great match. Another good looking driver and more great television ads to come. I think this match can also be agreeable with the NASCAR fan base. Admit it, after Jr., we are expecting a modern, hip new rep for Bud to bring them to victory lane. That will be another milestone we are looking forward to also.