Budweiser Taps Kasey Kahne as Next Driver of Its Legendary NASCAR Race Car

Labonte, Waltrip, Elliott and Earnhardt. In addition to being among the most celebrated names in motorsports, these drivers share in the proud tradition of racing for one of NASCAR's most successful sponsors -- Budweiser. Budweiser has announced Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne will become the racer to take the wheel of the iconic red Budweiser car when the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season kicks off in February.

"Budweiser has a long and storied history with NASCAR and some of its most successful drivers. We're excited about Kasey's ability to add to that outstanding lineage," said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Along with team owners George Gillett and Ray Evernham, we feel the pieces are in place for the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge to contend for NASCAR Sprint Cup championships for years to come."

Kahne was NASCAR's Rookie of the Year in 2004 after closing out the Cup season 13th in the points standings. In 2006 he won six races and six Budweiser Pole Awards -- more wins and poles than any other driver -- and qualified for the Chase for the Nextel Cup in just his third year in the Cup Series.

Kahne excelled during his rookie year in 2004 in all three of NASCAR's top series. He had 13 top-fives, 14 top-10s, and four Budweiser Pole Awards in his first full season racing Cup, nine top-fives and 14 top-10s in 30 Busch races and won both Craftsman Truck races he started. Kahne picked up his first career Cup victory in 2005 before recording his breakthrough 2006 performance.