(Nascar Roundup Preview)

Daytona, FL

With many teams trying to locate sponsorship, it appears many are finding success in energy drinks.

Energy drinks are soft drinks advertised as boosting energy. The battle between the makers of energy drink has become fierce. The battle will heat up even more, as the top brands compete on Nascar's top circuit. The #1 seller in the US with 40%, Red Bull, sponsors 2 teams with drivers Brian Vickers & Scott Speed. The #2 seller, Monster, increases it's involvement in the sport with Robby Gordon. Monster gained ground on Red Bull in 2008 and 2009. The #4 seller, Mountain Dew's AMP, returns with driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Mountain Dew's AMP boosted it's US sells up from #6 to #4 after forming it's relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Jr and could reach the Top 3 once the 2009 numbers are made available.

The current #3 seller, Rockstar, is the only Top 5 energy drink that hasn't sponsored a Nascar Cup car to date. 

Other energy drinks schedule to make appearances in Nascar include: Full Throttle, Wave Energy, and Sobe No Fear.  

Energy Shots looking to knock over the cans...

Some forecast the $5 billion energy drink market will top $10 billion in 2010. Liquid, canned formats have been very popular, but many are betting that the small-shot market will continue to grow. “I see the energy shot being where the energy drink was back in 2001 and 2002. Convenience is the No. 1 product in America, and there’s more convenience with a shot than a can.”