Bud to stick with Earnhardt Jr in '08

The Bud logo has featured for many years in the #8 car from DEI, driven by Earnhardt Jr but, according to a statement from the sponsor, the relationship goes beyond his current Nextel Cup team.

"Budweiser, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dale Earnhardt Inc have enjoyed a great relationship since 1999. Dale Jr, and his father before him, have been excellent and loyal ambassadors for our company and the sport of NASCAR,"  said Tony Ponturo, Anheuser-Busch Inc Vice President of Global Media and Sports Marketing in a statement.

"Budweiser and JR Motorsports have an agreement in place to ensure Dale Jr will continue to personally represent Budweiser through 2008, and we look forward to discussing our future with Dale Jr and DEI in the weeks ahead."

Similarly, General Motors has expressed its desire to continue to work with Earnhardt Jr in the future, after the driver himself said during a press conference that his interests would be "best suited" by continuing to race Chevrolets.

"Chevrolet and General Motors are proud of our long-standing relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale Earnhardt Jr," said Brent Dewar, General Motors North America Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing in a statement.

"For more than 20 years, the Earnhardt family has relied on Chevrolet products to achieve their legendary on-track success.

"As the winningest nameplate in NASCAR, Chevrolet shares the individual goals of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr to win races and championships. We look forward to discussing future opportunities with DEI and Dale, Jr."