It's official- Jim Beam is out

Per Jayski:

UPDATE: Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., maker of Jim Beam Bourbon, the world's number one-selling Bourbon, announced that its marketing plans for 2010 will not include a return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. As a result, the company will not extend its current partnership with Robby Gordon Motorsports in 2010. The company plans to focus its marketing resources for Jim Beam into other platforms that directly impact the end consumer. "It was a difficult decision to transition away from being a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team sponsor," said Bill Newlands, president Beam Global Spirits & Wine U.S. "We always take a hard look at our marketing resources and how we can best interact with legal purchase age consumers. After an extensive review of our marketing strategy, we have come up with new alternatives to fuel growth for Jim Beam in 2010." Jim Beam will continue its support of #7-Robby Gordon Motorsports for the remainder of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup series schedule."Jim Beam has been a great partner for the past five years," said Robby Gordon. "I would like to thank them for their support through the years. They have been with me since we started the team in 2005, helping build our Cup team and aiding in its success. Great relationships have been formed, and I expect those to continue well into the future

Hopefully Robby can land the greygoose sponsorship. It'd mix much better with Monster.

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Permalink Reply by Edward M. Corrado on September 22, 2009 at 10:48am

I noticed Jack Daniels is dropping cup at the end of the year as well. Not sure if their is a connection, but I do find it interesting that they are both bailing. Let's hope Robby finds someone to take Jim Bean's place.

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Permalink Reply by Lance on September 22, 2009 at 11:16am

Sad to see Beam go because aside from Menard's they have had probably longest relationship with Robby of any company and have been very loyal in what has been some tough times. The fact that both Jack and Jim are leaving Nascar surprises me but it is what it is. Hopefully we can find a company half as loyal as Beam has been.

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Permalink Reply by Ken on September 22, 2009 at 11:45am

Marketing games. No reason for one without the other..............Lowes/Home Depot, Miller/Bud, FedEx/UPS......they wanna race too

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Permalink Reply by Country Boy on September 22, 2009 at 11:45am

I hate to sound like a vulture but my first thought is to look at the primaries for some of these Nationwide teams.

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Permalink Reply by brewski on September 22, 2009 at 11:50am

Fare Thee Well JIM you will be missed. It was Iconic ironic and nostalgic. I remember for the first time hearing that JB was coming on board I though they were a great match. The fact that the Beam family and familys alike were the basis for the grass roots birth of this sport made me even more proud to support RG and the Beam. In 05 they stepped up to sponsor the one driver I had grown up to admire. Cheering for Robby as a young boy at Anaheim Stadium racing and beating the Iron Man, and throughout time to Baja to indy and into Nascar. While I am saddened to see JB go ,this is not the end of the #7 #77tt or the H3 so let us toast with the last of our Beam and make some new friends.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on September 22, 2009 at 11:54am

“We would like to thank Robby Gordon and the entire No. 7 team for partnering with us these past five years,” Newlands said. “Robby is a fierce and talented competitor and a sponsor couldn’t ask for a more dedicated brand ambassador. Robby Gordon, fans of the Jim Beam No. 7 car and the entire No. 7 team have been very good to us, and that’s what makes this such a difficult decision."

this is supposed to be added to the above

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Permalink Reply by Beagle7 on September 22, 2009 at 12:07pm

Great...now I have to change my friggin screen name.....lol

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Permalink Reply by brian campbell on September 22, 2009 at 12:23pm

lets hope he can get a primary sponsor next year or there will be lots of black cars.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on September 22, 2009 at 12:29pm

This was pretty much official...to RGM...weeks ago. I hope RGM is putting their money into some good marketing people. There's tons of companies that would be great in Nascar, just have to get the right people to go get them. Robby offers alot for a sponsor with his different forms of racing. He can reach alot of target demographics. This also opens the door to go after several other companies that would have been in conflict with Jim Beam. The Menard's suppliers marketing startegy was great this year. Even if it's one race deals, it puts alot of major compaines in association with RGM. This allows RGM the opportunity to say to a potential sponsor that they were sponsored by several great companies in 2009 like: Jim Beam, Sylvania, Polaris, Quaker State, Richmond, Energizer, Spot, Hard Rock, Moen, John Manville, Red Stag, Mapei & Menards. Still would love for RGM to go out and find that "Big Deal" a sponsor that would take 1/2 the schedule or more. If Jeremy Methfield can find sponsorship, surely RGM can. I would love to see Dr Pepper's new Venom Energy drink, cool looking logos and would fit RGM.

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Permalink Reply by vak7 on September 22, 2009 at 12:39pm

Mayfield didn't really have sponsorship, he had a web site smallsponsor.com that was basically a front. I think the days of a full sponsorship are long gone. But I bet Robby already has something up his sleeve. He's well connected and an astute businessman. He'll do well.

But I'll sure miss the Beam. I'll probably remain a loyal customer to thank them for their support over the years. And I like the stuff too much to call it quits.