NASCAR is talking to at least five companies about replacing Anheuser-Busch as title sponsor of its No.2 series, with Subway and KFC showing the most interest. A-B has spent 25 years as title sponsor of the Busch Series, but is refocusing its overall NASCAR marketing. Its Budweiser brand is "the official beer of NASCAR," and is the primary sponsor of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Samsung was originally thought to be in the running to replace A-B, but company officials said last week in Texas they weren't interested. Wal-Mart also is believed to be in discussions with NASCAR. (AlabamaLive.com)(4-30-2007)

MORE: Sources also told [Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal] that Dish Network could emerge as a candidate, though NASCAR's partnership with DirecTV seems to make that difficult. DirecTV broadcasts "HotPass" during the race and is the sanctioning body's official TV partner.(SceneDaily.com)(4-30-2007)