ST. LOUIS and DAYTONA (July 28, 2008) – The Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR’s season-opening event, will return in 2009 as part of Budweiser’s multi-year sponsorship renewal with Daytona International Speedway.

Since its inception in 1979, the Budweiser Shootout has become one of the most anticipated events on the racing calendar for both drivers and fans. The race marks the start of a new NASCAR season and provides a benchmark for teams as they gear up for the annual Daytona 500.

“For more than 30 years, race fans have circled the Budweiser Shootout on their calendars in the way baseball fans look toward Opening Day,” said Tony Ponturo, vice president of Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “February is the start of our important spring selling season, and big events such as the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500, plus the Super Bowl, NHL and NBA All-Star weekends, provide a powerful combination to excite consumers and energize our wholesaler family.”

“We’re pleased and excited to welcome back Anheuser-Busch’s sponsorship of the season-opening Budweiser Shootout,” said Speedway President Robin Braig. “Together, Anheuser-Busch and Daytona International Speedway look forward to providing our fans with a memorable event to start the 2009 NASCAR season at ‘The World Center of Racing.’”

The multi-year agreement for the Budweiser Shootout includes exclusive alcohol and non-alcohol malt beverage sponsorship of the race weekend, four new interior track wall signs, and sponsorship of the annual Budweiser Shootout Draw Party televised by Speed Channel and the popular post-race infield concert. The 2009 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona is scheduled for Feb. 7.

The “Great American Lager” will continue to sponsor the “Great American Race” as the Official Beer of Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona 500 and the track’s numerous annual events. Budweiser, sponsor of Kasey Kahne and the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge, retains significant at-track presence through the Budweiser Bistro concession area in the Sprint FANZONE, a major presence on the infield scoring tower, use of the Speedway’s logo and Daytona 500 logo, Sprint FANZONE and on-track visits by the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, and will continue to offer its “Green Team” recycling programs to help keep Daytona International Speedway clean. Anheuser-Busch is also the exclusive beer and malt beverage advertiser of the Daytona 500 national broadcast on FOX.

Launched as the Busch Clash in 1979, the name changed to the Bud Shootout in 1998, and in 2001, became the Budweiser Shootout. Repeat champions include Dale Earnhardt (6), Dale Jarrett (3), Tony Stewart (3), and Neil Bonnett, Ken Schrader, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with two victories apiece. In fact, the 1998 race won by Bill Elliott with an average speed of 197.802 mph stands as the fastest sanctioned race in the history of NASCAR.

Daytona International Speedway is the flagship facility of International Speedway Corporation and home to the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious event. Daytona International Speedway is a versatile motorsports facility also hosting the Rolex 24 At Daytona, North America’s premier sports car race, as well as the legendary Daytona 200 By Honda motorcycle classic.

Budweiser American-style lager follows the same recipe since 1876. Brewed with only the finest hand-selected ingredients and Beechwood lagered for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment, Budweiser is “the Great American Lager.” Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, and ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2008. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States and is one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminum cans. For more information, visit www.budweiser.com.