[simple simon]

The NASCAR Busch Series will be looking for a new title sponsor after next season.


NASCAR officials confirmed Monday that Anheuser-Busch, parent company for the Busch beer brand, has decided not to renew its sponsorship of NASCAR's No. 2 series after it expires at the end of 2007.


The Busch Series just completed its 25th season, with driver Kevin Harvick earning his second series championship.


“We are starting the process of finding a new title sponsor and executives at Anheuser-Busch have decided to pursue another direction in their marketing of the Busch brand,” said Andrew Giangola, NASCAR’s director of business communications.


Several companies have already made inquiries about taking Busch’s place, including Wal-Mart, Samsung and Subway, the Observer has learned.



Subway is considered the least likely of the three, sources said, although it does already sponsor a Nextel Cup Series team and two races, at Martinsville, Va., and Phoenix.


Other companies could enter the picture as NASCAR’s search expands, officials said.

Charlotte.com | 12/18/2006 | Wal-Mart Series? It could happen in '08

[simple simon]

Wal-Mart Grand National ? .............. just doesnt sound right..........then again, neither does Nextel Cup

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by simple simon

The NASCAR Busch Series will be looking for a new title sponsor after next season.
NASCAR officials confirmed Monday that Anheuser-Busch, parent company for the Busch beer brand, has decided not to renew its sponsorship of NASCAR's No. 2 series after it expires at the end of 2007.
The Busch Series just completed its 25th season, with driver Kevin Harvick earning his second series championship.


Mart Series? It could happen in '08[/url]

Actually the BGN Series completed its 24th season in 2005. In 2006 it was a change to Cup Lite. I'd hesitate to call that thing they ran before the Cup race last season Busch Grand National. Let's hope the real Bush Grand National returns in 2007.

Enough grousing about that (Cup Raiders are one of my peeves). I'd bet on Walmart, whose net worth is slightly more than the combined net worth of Montana and Idaho. My main question is: Would Wally-World be better served sponsoring the series for $30 million, or would they get an equal bang for their buck by shelling out $15-$18 million and sponsoring a top-drawer Cup Lite team with a Cup Raider driver?

It'll be a win/win situation for Wally-World anyway. They'll syphon off the total cost of their investment and let their distributers share the cost. It's worked well for Lowes and Home Depot.

[LSC9901]

I think the question that begs to be asked here is will the ticket takers at the turnstyle say "Welcome to Wal-Mart Racing" ??????

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I think the question that begs to be asked here is will the ticket takers at the turnstyle say "Welcome to Wal-Mart Racing" ??????

If so, then the obvious questions will be: Will they be retired "seasoned citizens?" Will NA$CAR befoced to supply them health benefits, retirement, family leave, and will they be required to wear little orange vests with longivity pins attached? Will they get time and a half if they take tickets on Sunday? Will they get 10% off all NA$CAR merchandise? Inquiring minds (and probably the Retail Clerks Union) want to know.

[Lefty Noob]

Realistically, Wal-Mart sounds like a fantastic choice for the Artist Formerly Known as the Busch Series. Think about it... it's closely associated with the blue-collar crowd and is a world famous name. But, yeah, Wal-Mart Grand Nationals doesn't sound right... they should drop the "Grand" and go with "Wal-Mart Nationals". That rolls right off the tongue.

[LSC9901]

Better yet how about Sam's club. Wal-Mart Nationals sound to much like the former Montreal Expos

[wingkey1]

It will be the "Sam's Series".

Victory lane will be in a new and unique place every week and each time a race is run at a track. Not to worry though, it will be easy to find. Just look for the flashing blue light on a stick.

[Quality88]

If Wal-Mart becomes the sponsor I can hear it now.... " Welcome to Talladega, do you need a buggy?" ...... It was bad enough to watch the series get flooded with cup boys.... but now Wal-Mart? I refer to my title.

[LSC9901]

I can see right now that we are going to have fun with this one for a long time to come.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I can see right now that we are going to have fun with this one for a long time to come.

I wonder... will we have one of those trademark Wal-Mart rollbacks happen during mid-race? Suddenly the Daytona 500 turns into the Daytona 488.88!

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I wonder... will we have one of those trademark Wal-Mart rollbacks happen during mid-race? Suddenly the Daytona 500 turns into the Daytona 488.88!

That's funny, I don't care who you are, that's funny right there.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Realistically, Wal-Mart sounds like a fantastic choice for the Artist Formerly Known as the Busch Series. .

Lefty, I almost choked on that one! "Artist Formerly Known as Busch." It's a keeper!

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Think about it... it's closely associated with the blue-collar crowd and is a world famous name. But, yeah, Wal-Mart Grand Nationals doesn't sound right... they should drop the "Grand" and go with "Wal-Mart Nationals". That rolls right off the tongue.

For personal reasons (and they aren't "anti-capitalists/hate evil Walmart and big business" ones) I stay away from Walmart as much as practically possible. But every time I go into one I feel as though I'm in a casting call for the "Cops" TV show. I guess, in a Ricky Bobby sort of way it'd be a good match. But "Walmart Nationals" sounds like something out of the NHRA. How about "Sam's Cup?"

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

For personal reasons (and they aren't "anti-capitalists/hate evil Walmart and big business" ones) I stay away from Walmart as much as practically possible. But every time I go into one I feel as though I'm in a casting call for the "Cops" TV show. I guess, in a Ricky Bobby sort of way it'd be a good match. But "Walmart Nationals" sounds like something out of the NHRA. How about "Sam's Cup?"

Heh... I use Wal-Mart for just about everything: grocery, electronics, magazines, etc. Of course, there's not a ton of options around where I live. Like, when I want to get the nephews a toy for birthday or Christmas, we don't actually have any toy stores around here at all. But I digress...

Sam's Cup? Nah, that won't work. Sounds too much like top prize would be one of Walton's old athletic supporters.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Heh... I use Wal-Mart for just about everything: grocery, electronics, magazines, etc. Of course, there's not a ton of options around where I live. Like, when I want to get the nephews a toy for birthday or Christmas, we don't actually have any toy stores around here at all. But I digress...

Sam's Cup? Nah, that won't work. Sounds too much like top prize would be one of Walton's old athletic supporters.

I meant nothing personal, Chuck. I was thinking specifically about the Wally-World's down here in LA (Lower Alabama and Mississippi). But then in reflection I guess a good portion of these states look like a casting call for both Cops and Jerry Springer.

I see your point with "Sam's Cup." I guess, with WalMart's place in our economy maybe it should be "Sam's Chalice," or "Sam's Grail?"