News
Stand Up for Robby with Jim Beam
By
Feb 27, 2008, 10:57

THOUSANDS OF RACING FANS “STAND UP FOR ROBBY”

WITH JIM BEAM® BOURBON

Jim Beam will continue campaign after more than 8,500 racing fans

join effort during initiative’s first weekend

Deerfield, Ill., Feb. 26, 2008—Jim Beam® Bourbon announced today the brand will continue the “Stand Up for Robby” initiative, begun this past weekend at Auto Club Speedway of Southern California.

Originally intended to be a one-weekend show of support for Gordon and the team, overwhelming fan reaction has encouraged Jim Beam to continue the campaign enabling fans to offer their opinions and sign a petition requesting NASCAR reduce or overturn recent penalties imposed against the No. 7 Jim Beam Dodge race team.  

“Standing up for what is right is more than a philosophy for Jim Beam, it is a mantra we live by,” said Sam Seiller, Senior Director, Whiskies Group, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “Getting behind our driver is the right thing to do in this situation. We are pleased to see so many fans on the same page and voicing their support for a guy who showed grit, determination and character in driving to an 8^th-place finish in the Daytona 500®.”

Gordon and the No. 7 Dodge race team last week filed an appeal to NASCAR officials in response to a 100-point penalty and six-race suspension and $100,000 fine for crew chief Frank Kerr announced by NASCAR Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008.

Fans attending last weekend’s NASCAR events in Fontana, Calif. and throughout the country were encouraged via a grassroots and online public relations effort to join the “Stand up for Robby” cause. To date, more than 8,500 fans have visited www.jimbeam.com and signed a petition to be distributed to NASCAR in advance of the appeal hearing. Upon the team’s notification of the appeal hearing date, Jim Beam will announce the timing of submission of the petition to NASCAR officials.

On Friday, Feb. 22, Jim Beam CEO Tom Flocco distributed a letter outlining the sponsor’s position that while an infraction occurred, the penalty imposed was unfairly excessive. The letter was sent to NASCAR President Mike Helton, Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Competition Director John Darby.

Regarding the pre-Daytona 500® inspection infraction, Flocco clearly stated Jim Beam’s position that the sponsor would support its driver, who demonstrates the stuff inside that mirrors the Jim Beam brand commitment to quality and excellence.

In addition to circulating the petition and distributing the letter to NASCAR, Jim Beam printed and distributed “Rally for Robby” t-shirts to fans in attendance during the NASCAR race weekend at Auto Club Speedway of Southern California. Throughout the race weekend, fans wearing the shirts showed their support for the No. 7 Jim Beam team.

Gordon expressed appreciation for the encouragement provided by Jim Beam and fans throughout the country, and said his team’s focus is on competing well on the track and awaiting a fair hearing at the appeal.

“It’s great to know we have a sponsor like Jim Beam that has our back,” said Gordon. “Jim Beam has stuck by our race team for four years and believes we made an honest mistake. I’m also happy to see fans jumping onboard to support our team.”

At track and online activities will continue this week as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visits Las Vegas. Fans attending the events can buy “Rally for Robby” shirts at the Robby Gordon Motorsports merchandise hauler. Fans elsewhere looking to show their support can purchase the t-shirts and sign the petition online at jimbeam.com.

About Robby Gordon Motorsports
Based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by Gordon, will enter its fourth season of competition in 2008 in the NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series, and will continue to operate successful racing programs in the SCORE® International Off-Road desert series, The Dakar Rally and the NASCAR® Nationwide Series™.  The company also operates several retail businesses including Robby Gordon Off-Road in Anaheim, Calif., specializing in after-market accessories and installations of trucks and SUVs.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine:

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Starbucks™ Liqueurs.  Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion.  For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.