Budweiser Races to US Military Bases in Asia with Racecar Tour and Sweepstakes!

     Yokosuka, Japan (May, 2001) - Budweiser, launched a world-class tour to showcase one of today's most exiting and powerful dragsters to US military troops in Asia.  The Budweiser Racecar Tour and Sweepstakes kicked off in Yokosuka, Japan, and traveled to 12 military bases throughout Japan and South Korea during the month of May.

  

      The tour featured Budweiser dragster, owned by professional driver Harlan Thompson.  At each tour site, men and women in the armed services had the opportunity to meet Thompson, who was on-hand to sign autographs and hand out Bud Racing photos.  Military personnel and their families also sat inside the Budweiser car and pose for pictures.

     "Sponsorship from Anheuser-Busch makes it possible for me to connect people all over the world, and since I am a military veteran, I'm sure I'll have a special connection with this audience," said Thompson.

     Thompson has been racing professionally since returning to the US in 1968 after his military service in Vietnam.  Harlan won more races and set more track records in his career than any other drag racer.  In the 20 years he has raced in Europe, he has maintained an 80 percent win record.

     "Budweiser is proud to bring the Bud Racing drag car exhibit to military racing fans in Asia," said Dan Guandolo, director of International Military Sales, Anheuser-Busch International, Inc. "Budweiser has a long history of showing support for the U.S. military through sports events and promotions."

     Participants entered the sweepstakes at each location visited by the dragster to win a 2001 Dodge Neon or Budweiser merchandise, including official Bud Racing hats, t-shirts and jackets.  Winners to be announced shortly.

      Brewed by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the world's largest brewer, Budweiser is one of the world's leading sponsors of motor sports.  The brand is the "Official Beer" of NASCAR and the NHRA, and title sponsor of the Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series.  It also sponsors NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet.  Budweiser is the best-selling beer on U.S. military bases worldwide.

  

 

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Funny Car Visits US Military Bases in Asia



Speed: The funny car runs the 1/4 mile from a standing start in 5 seconds at 290+ MPH.

Bud's Military Events

 

Budweiser Links  takes you to all of Bud's fun links.

Budweiser Military Events Find out about which events Budweiser sponsors on your base.  Come on out and enjoy the fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funny Car Driver

Harlan Thompson

Date of birth May 18,1946

Occupation 30 years professional race car driver

Home Towns Wall, New Jersey
Port Gamble, Washington

Personal History Harlan started racing professional in 1968 after returning from the Vietnam war.

After racing in the United States to 13 years and competing in thirty to forty races per year, Harlan went Europe for one summer of racing. He enjoyed it so much, he has been returning every year since 1981.

Harlan has won more races and set more track records than any other driver. Harlan has an 80% win record in the 18 years he has raced in Europe.

Funny Car Data:

Body style: Dodge

Engine: Chrysler Hemi, 500 cubic inches, 6,000 horse-
power (which is rebuilt after every 1/4 mile run). Price - $40,000

Fuel: Nitro methane (uses 14 gallons to go 1/4 mile).
Price - $90 per gallon.

Clutch: L&T discs clutch which is engaged by a computer while the car is racing.
Price - $12,000

Clutch discs are replaced every second 1/4 mile run Price - $500

Tires: Goodyear racing slicks (36xl 7xl 6). 17 inches wide. They last 5 runs.

Wheel base: 125inches.
As the funny car has a shorter wheel base, it is very difficult to control in race conditions.