Inside Look into Michael Waltrip Brewing’s Bold Partnerships and Game-Day Energy

Bold Partnerships: Clarksville’s Craft Scene Just Shifted Into High Gear

Start Your Engines—It’s Game Time

Race fans. Beer fans. Sports junkies. If your weekends revolve around horsepower, hometown pride, and ice-cold brews, this one’s for you.

Clarksville, Tennessee is about to throw down a weekend that’s got everything: arena football heat, a brand-new craft beer collab, and one legendary pre-game party. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, all roads lead to F&M Bank Arena where the Nashville Kats are clawing their way through the playoffs—and there’s a buzz building around more than just the scoreboard.

NASCAR legend and two-time Daytona 500 champ Michael Waltrip is fueling up game day with a major move: Michael Waltrip Brewing has partnered with Austin Peay State University (APSU) to launch Governor’s Golden Ale—a crisp, easy-drinking beer tailor-made for tailgates, rooftop bars, and game-day cheers.

And there’s more: word is spreading fast that Michael Waltrip Brewing is poised to become the official beer of the Nashville Kats. That’s right. Local flavor, legendary names, and playoff-level intensity—all under one roof.

Before kickoff? You have to swing by Joe’s Garage at Shelby’s Trio—just across from the arena—for the ultimate pre-game hangout. Trust us, this is where the party starts.

Michael Waltrip, APSU President Mike Licari, Joe Maynard, and the Gov at a meet-and-greet event celebrating the Governor’s Golden Ale. | Photo by Sean McCully

From Racetrack to Taproom: The Story Behind Governor’s Golden Ale

Rewind to April 2, 2025. The setting? A community meet-and-greet at Joe’s Garage, where Michael Waltrip, Joe Maynard (of JCM Management), and leaders from APSU pulled the cover off a fresh, gold-hued creation: Governor’s Golden Ale.

Waltrip didn’t just lend his name—he poured in passion.

“It’s made for light, easy drinking that people will enjoy,” he said at the launch. “My goal is for folks to show up at a venue with cans of these in their hands.”

Spoiler alert: they will.

This isn’t just a beer. It’s a bridge between brewing and fandom, campus and community. And with Waltrip’s brewing company headquartered right here in Tennessee, the APSU partnership feels less like marketing and more like homegrown synergy.

Michael Waltrip Brewing, founded in 2020, has carved out a niche with accessible, flavorful beers that pair perfectly with everything from bar food to burnout competitions. With Governor’s Golden Ale, they’re delivering a beer that’s crisp, sessionable, and proudly rooted in Clarksville.

The Kats Are Back—and They’re on the Hunt

Let’s shift gears to arena football. The Nashville Kats—an AFL favorite since their debut in 1997—are roaring back into relevance after a bold revival in late 2023. Under the leadership of Nashville Arena Sports, LLC (including Jeff Fisher and veteran sports attorney Tamara Dadd Alan), the Kats are part of Arena Football One for the 2025 season—and making moves.

On June 22, they face off against SW Kansas in a do-or-die semifinal showdown at F&M Bank Arena.

With vintage vibes, a retro logo, and fan-favorite Kool Kat back in the spotlight, the Kats are mixing nostalgia with new blood. The only thing that could make game day better? A local craft beer in hand—and the stars are aligning for that with Michael Waltrip Brewing potentially being named the team’s official beer.

Shelby’s Trio: Your Official Game-Day HQ

Want the full experience? Head to Shelby’s Trio, downtown Clarksville’s three-story crown jewel. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a destination.

Start at Joe’s Garage (ground level), where American classics meet muscle car culture and ice-cold drafts of Governor’s Golden Ale. This isn’t just any bar—it’s the only Michael Waltrip Brewing Signature Bar in the state.

Next, elevate your evening at Trattoria di Cat, the second-floor Italian spot that feels like a tucked-away trattoria. Pasta, wine, and intimate vibes? Yes, please.

Cap it off with sky-high sips at Skyline 500 Bar, Clarksville’s first rooftop venue. Soak in city views and toast with cocktails made from Leatherwood Distillery spirits—all with elevator access and 100+ free parking spots.

Why Joe’s Garage is the Pre-Game Pit Stop

Let’s not overthink this: Joe’s Garage is where game day starts.

It’s close. It’s cool. And it’s packed with energy. Picture this—surrounded by fellow fans, Governor’s Golden Ale in hand, predictions flying, and the arena just steps away. It’s the kind of vibe you want to bottle (and luckily, you can).

Game Day Essentials

Rally Time: Let’s Make This One Count

This Sunday, skip the couch and hit the action. Whether you’re rooting for the Kats, chasing new craft flavors, or just need an excuse to get out, Joe’s Garage at Shelby’s Trio is the launchpad for your weekend.

So what are you waiting for? Round up the crew, grab a Golden Ale, and let’s raise a toast to football, flavor, and a city that knows how to show up. See you there.

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Michael Waltrip’s Book: In The Blink of an Eye: Dale, Daytona, and the Day that Changed Everything

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