Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch displayed its generosity to NASCAR fans in January. The longtime sponsor of NASCAR and Kevin Harvick gave the fans a chance at winning $2 million but under one condition—Harvick winning the Daytona 500. Although that did not happen, the beverage company did propose a lucrative offer.

But with Harvick’s stay in the Cup ending, the iconic Busch Beer logo searches for a suitor. However, the wait for a successor has ended. The one replacing Harvick? None other than the Watermelon Man.

Busch Beer set to tie up with Ross Chastain is hot off the press

The international brewing company has given birth to hundreds of popular brands. With an increase of 1.75% in market cap over the last year, it is estimated to be worth around $110.26 billion. A sponsorship deal with the beverage giant was something that every team would have wanted to avail. But Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks was keeping notes of the events and put up Ross Chastain on their priority list.

The talks of the announcement have been brewing for months. The delay was mainly due to the controversy around the company sending Bud Light as a gesture to transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. With constant backlash from both sets of communities, the official announcement was much awaited. With a Ross Chastain win in Nashville arriving in time, things took little time to speed up.

“Ross has already accomplished so much in his career and we’re so proud an iconic brand like Busch Light sees his commitment not only to the sport but to his fans,” said Justin Marks exuberant with securing a massive deal.

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A big loss for Tony Stewart’s team

Anheuser-Busch is a big name in the community. In their 44 years of partnership with NASCAR, they have also earned the entitlement rights to the Busch Pole Award and Busch Light Clash. Since 2016, Busch Light has been beside Kevin Harvick.

“Our relationship with Kevin has extended beyond what we believed was even possible as a sponsor in NASCAR,” this is what Anheuser-Busch Head of Marketing Krystyn Stow had to say after the lucky fan giveaway in January this year.

“We want to go BIG for his final season and rally his fans to support him at his last Daytona 500, kickstarting the most explosive season of his career. We’re going to be right beside him, cold Busch Lights at the ready in Victory Lane all season long.”

Harvick was all praise for Busch Light for their contribution over the years as well. Applauding them for their efforts, he said, “Busch Light has always seen that, put fans first and led the rallying cry. Now for my final race at Daytona, there’s really no better gesture than to let the ones who helped get me here share in the winnings. I’m grateful to Busch Light for stepping up and making that possible.”

A great tribute to an iconic driver. Harvick’s retirement was already a big stress on Tony Stewart and the Stewart-Haas Racing team. Now, the news of Busch leaving them will hurt them even more as it sees them losing a premier partner. Meanwhile, SHR was silent on their chances to renew with the beverage giants ever since they began talks with other teams to sponsor.

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