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Its a Wrap for Budweiser And They Cap 30 Years of Sponsorship Association With Bernstein
POMONA, CALIFORNIA (Thursday, November 19, 2009) – It was an emotional weekend at the Auto Club Finals for the Bernstein family as their 30-year sponsorship relationship with Budweiser came to a close. Throughout the weekend, six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, along with son Brandon, recounted some of their favorite memories while flying the Budweiser banner.
In pre-race ceremonies, Budweiser capped their 30-year sponsorship relationship by presenting Kenny Bernstein with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale, the highest honor that Budweiser can bestow.
The presentation was made by Corey Christanell, Director of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
“We are very humbled to be chosen as one of the select few to receive one of these marvelous Clydesdales,” said Bernstein.
Other recipients include the late Dale Earnhardt and country music star Tim McGraw.
“I could stand here and name hundreds of names, from August Busch III and IV on down who have helped us over the years and I thank them so very much,” continued Bernstein. “We also want to thank the wholesalers and all the fans. This is a special moment for us and a little bittersweet at the same time because we’re happy that we do get to go on with Copart next year. We’re very appreciative of what Budweiser has allowed us to do which is follow a dream I had from the time I was 15 years old to where it is today.
“Reality set in this last week. As the ‘last call’ was drawing close, we got emails and phone calls from so many of the upper management team at Anheuser-Busch that we had worked with through the years who have gone on to other careers. They are all here in spirit with us today and will be watching ESPN2 tonight.”
After accepting the gift of the Clydesdale, Bernstein and wife Sheryl took one last ride on the renowned Budweiser hitch, passing the packed grandstands filled with cheering fans.
The Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster made its last entry in the Auto Club Finals history books as the No. 5 qualifier, 3.832/312.28.
In the opening round of eliminations, driver Brandon Bernstein pulled to the starting line to face Chris “The Golden Greek” Karamesines. It was a close race with Bernstein turning on the win light with a 3.873/314.61 vs. ‘The Greek’s’ 3.955/308.28.
In the second round, it was a classic duel between two friends, Antron Brown and Bernstein. In career matches they each had six wins. This round was going to be the tie breaker. Bernstein was first out of the gate, but Brown was first to the finish line, bringing Budweiser’s three decades of involvement to an end.
“That was an emotional last pass,” said the second generation driver. “All the years with Budweiser are done now. We had a great race car.
“We will move forward from this point, taking with us many Budweiser memories that will live with us forever.”
Bernstein finished fifth in 2009 NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
Story courtesy of Susie Arnold.
