Chance to Meet Dale Earnhardt Jr. Headlines Stellar List of NASCAR Drivers and Entertainment at Joliet’s Race Fan Rally

NASCAR drivers, sponsors and fans set for another record-breaking year

JOLIET, Ill. – June 28, 2006 – The sixth annual Joliet Race Fan Rally will kick off this evening at 5 p.m. on Chicago Street in Downtown Joliet, Ill. The free public event is expected to draw over 40,000 people – race fans and families alike – to the streets of Joliet jumpstarting the NASCAR race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Attendees will have the chance to meet NASCAR drivers Greg Biffle, Brian Vickers and Denny Hamlin among others.

Budweiser and Next Media will be giving lucky fans at Race Fan Rally a chance to gain entrance into a private Budweiser VIP event held later that night in Downtown Joliet. The Budweiser VIP event will feature Dale Earnhardt Jr. Attendees can sign-up at any Nextel display area during Race Fan Rally for a chance to attend the private event.

Organizers confirm that this year’s Race Fan Rally has the most sponsor participation in the event’s six-year history. Chevy is bringing NEXTEL Cup driver Brian Vickers who drives the No. 25 GMAC Chevrolet and rookie NEXTEL Cup driver Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx Chevrolet with one huge win already under his belt. Chevy is also sponsoring the Chevy Entertainment Stage where the Neverly Brothers will be playing.

“What a great event Race Fan Rally has turned into,” said Joliet Mayor Arthur Schultz. “When Chicagoland Speedway was built we knew it would have a tremendous effect on the entire city. It’s great to see tens of thousands of people enjoying Race Fan Rally in downtown Joliet.”

AAA and 3M will bring Busch Series driver Todd Kluever and will also be giving away prizes and tickets to future races. Fans visiting the 3M #06 simulator tent can register to win tickets to the September 10th IRL Race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Race fans will get to see NASCAR’s top sponsor up close and personal, as NEXTEL-Sprint will bring the NEXTEL Cup Racing Experience hauler carrying the Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart interactive driving simulators.

Great Clips is bringing Jason Leffler, Busch Series driver, and Great Clips stylists will give haircuts on site for donations to charity.

For the third straight year the Army National Guard is bringing Nextel Cup driver Greg Biffle, who in the last seven races has seven top-ten finishes and has more points during that span than any other driver. The Army National Guard is also brining a host of interactive exhibits for fans to enjoy. Other sponsors include Comcast and Beneficial Financial.

“We are thrilled that our sponsors have stepped up and provided such great support of the event,” said Tom Mahalik, vice president of the Joliet City Center Partnership. “The participation of these high-caliber sponsors speaks volumes about the Race Fan Rally and its growth over the year.”