Jim Beam® Bourbon Not Returning To NASCAR In 2010

 

Paula Erickson                                                             

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.        

847 - 444-7590                                                          

Paula.Erickson@BeamGlobal.com      

                                                                                     

Alison McCabe

Robby Gordon Motorsports

(704) 949-1255

 

 

Deerfield, Ill. - September 22, 2009 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., maker of Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s number one-selling Bourbon, announced today that its marketing plans for 2010 will not include a return to the NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series™. As a result, the company will not extend its current partnership with Robby Gordon Motorsports in 2010. The company plans to focus its marketing resources for Jim Beam into other platforms that directly impact the end consumer.

 

“It was a difficult decision to transition away from being a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team sponsor,” said Bill Newlands, president Beam Global Spirits & Wine U.S. “We always take a hard look at our marketing resources and how we can best interact with legal purchase age consumers. After an extensive review of our marketing strategy, we have come up with new alternatives to fuel growth for Jim Beam in 2010.”

 

Jim Beam will continue its support of Robby Gordon Motorsports for the remainder of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup series schedule.

 

“Jim Beam has been a great partner for the past five years,” said Robby Gordon. “I would like to thank them for their support through the years. They have been with me since we started the team in 2005, helping build our Cup team and aiding in its success. Great relationships have been formed, and I expect those to continue well into the future.”

 

“We would like to thank Robby Gordon and the entire No. 7 team for partnering with us these past five years,” Newlands said. “Robby is a fierce and talented competitor and a sponsor couldn’t ask for a more dedicated brand ambassador. Robby Gordon, fans of the Jim Beam No. 7 car and the entire No. 7 team have been very good to us, and that’s what makes this such a difficult decision.”

 

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company recently named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

 

Based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by Gordon, 2009 marks its fifth season of competition in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and continues to operate successful racing programs in the SCORE International Off-Road desert series, The Dakar Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series. 

 

 

Jim Beam® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol.

©2009 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.

 

###