July 14
Separating from Budweiser might be key to helping Earnhardt reach the next level of marketing success, particularly if he aligns himself with a soft drink company such as Pepsi as sources have indicated could happen.
Although Budweiser played a big role in Earnhardt’s meteoric rise to stardom, it also limited him from promoting some popular products that don’t allow association with an alcoholic beverage. It also prevented him from being involved with programs involving children.
A company such as Pepsi, where Mountain Dew, Gatorade or some combination is expected to be involved as the primary sponsor, hits every demographic from pre-teens to senior citizens.
David Newton from ESPN.com
So…what are the other options? Contrary to rumors, the most obvious is to throw Jr. into the Kellogg’s car. After all, it’s the one being vacated to make room for Jr. over at Hendrick Motorsports right? Yeah, but nothing, absolutely nothing is that simple in NASCAR.
Amy Hair, Cup Scene Daily
Earnhardt said he had some regrets about splitting with the Budweiser brand, but he’s excited to see what new sponsorship deals the team will put together.
“We felt like we possibly only accomplished half of what we could do together, so that part of it’s kind of unfortunate,” Earnhardt said before qualifying at Chicagoland Speedway. “Sure, I would have loved to continue working with Bud. But under the circumstances, that’s not a possibility. We’ll have to change our frame of mind and see what the possibilities are for our primary sponsors next year. Those should be in line with what I like and what I enjoy, and I’m excited to put that together.”
Chris Jenkins From AP.org
July 14
Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s only association with Budweiser after the 2007 Nextel Cup season will be in the refrigerator.
Earnhardt announced on Friday at Chicagoland Speedway that beyond ending his association with Budweiser on the hood of his car, he will end his personal services deal that was to run through 2008.
“You don’t have to pay me to drink the beer,” NASCAR’s most popular driver said. “It’s good beer and I’ll always drink it and I enjoy it.
David Newton from ESPN.com
Budweiser officials are shopping around for their best sponsorship option in NASCAR, a clear indication that the beer company will not sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports next season, sources confirmed Tuesday.It’s expected that PepsiCo Inc., possibly with the Mountain Dew brand or a combination of Pepsi products, will sponsor Earnhardt next season in the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick.
And Anheuser-Busch is negotiating with Evernham Motorsports to possibly move the Bud sponsorship to Kasey Kahne’s No. 9 Dodge next season. Budweiser officials also have contacted officials at Lowe’s Motor Speedway about the possibility of holding a news conference at the Lowe’s Speedway Club next week if a new team sponsorship agreement is reached. Terry Blount and David Newton ESPN
July 03, 2007
Apparently Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t mess around when it comes to team ownership. Despite two top-10 finishes in the last three races, Huffman has crashed four times in 18 starts this season. He took over driving duties last August for McFarland and compiled six top-10s and a pair of top fives in 28 races.
“I have always wanted to drive my own car, but I’m doing this to give us time to evaluate our options and see who we want to put in the car for the rest of the season,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I will get with my people at JR Motorsports, and hopefully we will have a new driver named in the very near future.”
Junior said he will not drive his own NASCAR Busch Series entry beyond this weekend and expects to have a new, permanent driver behind the wheel in less than two weeks. Buddy Shacklette - AHN Sports Motor Sports Reporter
July 02, 2007
Good news for Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans this week at Daytona International Speedway: They will be able to see their favorite driver in two races.
He announced Tuesday that he will drive in Friday night’s Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race. Earnhardt, a two-time Busch Series points titlist, will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet he owns for JR Motorsports, replacing Shane Huffman. He also said he is searching for a permanent replacement for Huffman.
The Navy sponsors the No. 88 and will use a special Navy SEALs paint scheme this weekend in honor of the Fourth of July. From staff reports - Orlandosentinel
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