Bud to sponsor Andretti's Indy 500 car.

Budweiser announced today that it will serve as an associate sponsor of the Motorola / Archipelago entry driven by Michael Andretti for the 2002 Indianapolis 500.

Andretti is entered to drive the No. 39 Motorola / Archipelago Dallara - Chevrolet in the Memorial Day classic, scheduled for May 26, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Budweiser has a long, rich tradition in open-wheel racing, including two Indy 500 victories, and we're excited about the opportunity to team up with Michael Andretti," said Tony Ponturo, vice president, Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "He is one of the top open-wheel racers in the world, and we look forward to continuing our winning history with the Andretti family."

Budweiser has previously sponsored winners at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and in open-wheel motorsports. The 'King of Beers' served as the primary sponsor on Bobby Rahal's Indianapolis 500 winning car in 1986 and as an associate sponsor during Juan Montoya's victory in 2000. The brand also was an associate sponsor for the Galles Racing entry driven by Al Unser Jr. in last year's Indy 500. Budweiser has also claimed national team championships in open-wheel racing in 1984 with Mario Andretti and in 1986 and 1987 with Rahal.

"We are excited to have Budweiser as an associate sponsor for the Motorola / Archipelago entry and driver Michael Andretti," said Kim Green, general manager of Team Motorola / Archipelago. "Budweiser has a great history in motorsports and we're looking forward to partnering with them for the 86th running of the Indy 500."

Andretti, who will be joined by team manager Tony Cotman and crew chief John Cummiskey, finished third in the 2001 Indy 500, his first time in the historic race since 1995.

The Nazareth, Pa. native has seven top-10 finishes in the Indy 500 including a career-best second-place finish in 1991. Andretti, the 1984 Indianapolis 500 Co-Rookie of the Year, will attempt to make his 13th career start in the race.

Anheuser-Busch's associate sponsorship of the Motorola / Archipelago entry is supported by Budweiser identification on Andretti's car, firesuit and helmet, crew uniforms, in-car cameras, and garage and pit equipment. Additionally, Andretti will be featured on billboards in Indiana, as well as in a variety of point-of-sale materials - including stand-ups, cooler stickers, danglers, c-poles and autograph cards - with the tagline "Budweiser: The Crown Of Champions."

A special Budweiser open-wheel racing simulation game will visit Indianapolis area bars and restaurants before the Indy 500, allowing adult consumers 21 and over the opportunity to win prizes including the chance to race against Andretti in the championship event and to be an honourary pit crew member during pre-race activities on race day.

Budweiser, the world's best-selling beer and a longtime supporter of motorsports, is brewed by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the world's largest brewer. The 2002 Budweiser Racing program also features NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein and Miss Budweiser unlimited hydroplane racer Dave Villwock.