In bowl, blend 1 cup beer, 1 sliced onion, the vinegar, garlic, thyme, sugar and pepper. Whisk in oil. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and add the pork chops. Marinate, refrigerated, 2 hours.
Heat gas grill to medium-high or charcoal grill to medium-hot coals. Pour remaining beer into a medium-size saucepan and add remaining sliced onion. Add bratwurst. Simmer gently, 5 minutes (if brats are pre-cooked, simply heat through).
Add pork chops to grill; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover grill and turn chops over. Add brats to the grill and continue to cook chops and brats for 5 to 7 minutes more, until pork registers 155 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer and brats are nicely browned. Serve chops and brats with Macaroni Salad (see below).
Cook 8 ounces (1/2 package) macaroni in boiling water following package directions, 7 minutes. Drain and rinse. In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup light mayonnaise, 1 carrot, grated, 1 rib celery, chopped, 1-1/2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon pickle relish, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir into drained macaroni and refrigerate until serving.
