Kahne will drive Bud car in '08

With Earnhardt moving to Hendrick Motorsports next year and a new sponsor already in place and expected to be announced at Dallas tomorrow, Budweiser has taken on one of NASCAR's greatest young figures to drive the iconic Bud car.

Since 1983, the red car has been driven by some of the most famous racers in the series as Terry Labonte, Darrell Waltrip, Bill Elliott, Ken Schrader, Ricky Craven, Wally Dallenbach and, recently, Earnhardt Jr.

"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 of 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."

While Kahne has not enjoyed the best of seasons this year after making the Chase and winning six races in 2006, he remains as one of NASCAR's rising stars. Next year will be the fifth full season of Nextel/Sprint Cup competition for the 27-year-old.

"The fan in me is thrilled because driving for Budweiser is the kind of opportunity you dream of when you break into this sport. I'm excited about getting behind the wheel of a car that's been driven by some of the best this sport has seen," said Kahne.

"We'll be out to win races and championships, and everyone involved with our organization feels we can do that."

According to Joyce Julius & Associates' measurements in the United States, Budweiser had drawn US $136.5 million in television exposure through the first 24 races of the current Nextel Cup season, which is 42 per cent more than second-placed Lowe's, Jimmie Johnson's sponsor.

While few will contest Kahne's popularity among fans, it remains to be seen if he will be able to generate as much exposure of the Bud car from next year as its current driver has. Fans have voted Dale Earnhardt Jr. as NASCAR's most popular driver for the last four years.

Budweiser is also one of NASCAR's official sponsors.