Thousands of Fans “Stand Up for Robby”

Robby Gordon

Jim Beam Bourbon announced 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 #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 8th-place finish in the Daytona 500." Gordon and the #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. 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. 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 #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 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. Jim Beam Racing PR