Busch beer returns to NASCAR, replacing Budweiser

The transition means that Busch beer is coming back to NASCAR and the brand has a storied history in the sport which includes a tenure as the title sponsor NASCAR's secondary division (now Xfinity Series) from 1984 to 2007. 

In 2016, they will be on the hood of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, piloted by reigning Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick.

Busch, Busch Light and other special-edition Busch paint schemes will be featured on the car for a total of 12 races. The Busch car will first appear at Daytona International Speedway in the pre-Daytona 500 exhibition race known as the Sprint Unlimited. The event was originally called the Busch Clash when it was first run in 1979, which continued until 1997.

“Busch’s NASCAR roots go back to 1978 and we’re thrilled to reconnect with these passionate fans that identify with our ‘Here’s to Earning It’ message on a daily basis,” said Chelsea Phillips, Director of Value Brands, Anheuser-Busch.

“Kevin and the entire No. 4 team have been tremendous partners for Anheuser-Busch since 2011 and we have exciting plans to engage with the NASCAR community both on and off the track nationwide in 2016.”   

 Another Anheuser-Busch owned brand (Budweiser) currently serves as the primary sponsor for Harvick and has been since 2011.

“Busch beer belongs in NASCAR,” said Harvick, a winner of 31 Sprint Cup races, eight of which have come with Stewart-Haas Racing. “The entire Stewart-Haas Racing team and I can’t wait to have the Busch logo on the No. 4 car next season as we work toward another Sprint Cup championship.” 

“Some of my fondest racing career memories to-date involve the Busch brand, including winning the 2001 and 2006 Busch Series championships,” Harvick said. “The brand is historic and I’m looking forward to building the Busch racing legacy with all that we’re able to accomplish in 2016.”