INDY 500: Budweiser to serve as associate sponsor for Unser, Mears at Indy

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

PHOENIX- Budweiser will be an associate sponsor of the Galles Racing cars driven by Al Unser Jr. and Casey Mears in the 2001 Indianapolis 500, team owner Rick Galles announced today.

Unser is a two-time winner at Indianapolis, in 1992 and 1994. Mears, a rookie, is the nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears and son of Indianapolis 500 veteran Roger Mears.

“We are thrilled that the ‘King of Beers’ has chosen to sponsor Galles Racing at the Indianapolis 500,” Galles said. “Budweiser is a strong brand worldwide, and this is an exciting relationship for us to have.

“Budweiser has a tremendous reputation as a motorsports sponsor, and we are looking forward to working with them on all of their promotions leading up to the Indianapolis 500.”

Budweiser served as an associate sponsor for Juan Montoya during his victory in the 2000 Indianapolis 500 and also sponsored Bobby Rahal’s winning run in 1986.

“Budweiser has a long, rich tradition in open-wheel racing, including victories at the Indianapolis 500 last year and in 1986, and we’re excited about the opportunity to team up this year with Rick Galles and his world-class racing team,” said Tony Ponturo, vice president, corporate media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “Al Unser Jr. is one of the top open-wheel racers in the world, with two Indy 500 titles to his credit, and Casey Mears is one of the sport’s rising stars.

“We hope our partnership with Rick, Al and Casey will allow us all to be part of the Victory Lane celebration at the Brickyard in May.”

Starz Super Pak, the primary sponsor of Al Unser Jr., is pleased that Budweiser has come on board as an associate sponsor with Galles Racing for the Indianapolis 500.

“Starz Encore Group and the Starz Super Pak, America’s number one provider of digital premium movie channels, is pleased to welcome Budweiser, America’ s number one beer, to the Galles Racing team,” said Paul Jacobson, vice president of corporate communications at Starz Encore Group. “We look forward to sharing promotional opportunities and Victory Lane with Budweiser and our friends at TV Guide, Al’s other great associate sponsor.”

Budweiser, the world’s best-selling beer, is brewed by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the world’s largest brewer.

Text Provided By Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.