Kenny Bernstein is the first I remember with pit side hospitality. And as I understand it, he would sell it to the local Bud distributer who then would give the tickets to their best customers. KB was/is a very smart businessman.
The midway was a victim of the internet. Between the information available at a click, and mail order, it's hard to justify a rig on the road full time.
I used to wear the Holley Carb guys out when they came to the AHRA Winternationals in Tucson. I had questions, they had answers, and if I need to buy something there was always a racer discount to be had. Same with the Hurst Shifter guys. Now? I can find answers with a click.
Alan