Home Depot, AOL, and Crown Royal Liquors, all are official sponsors of NASCAR.   And if you're wondering how Crown Royal made it to the circuit, NASCAR has lifted its 55 year old rule that banned liquor companies from sponsoring their cars.  NASCAR reached out to advocacy groups like the National Commission Against Drunk Driving and after careful evaluation found that consumer behavior and attitudes about spirits had changed and that spirit companies have been responsible in their advertising.  NASCAR's new rules require a dedicated portion of advertising by spirits companies be solely focused on responsible drinking.  Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business says having its liquor logo on race cars can help them connect with millions of consumers.  Diageo's Gary Galanis:

"Diageo is committed to promoting responsible decisions about drinking and NASCAR presents a unique opportunity to reach an important audience with our message to make responsible decisions and not to drive drunk."

NASCAR, the number one spectator sport in America, says adding distilled spirits companies to the roster helps keep racing alive.

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