Joliet Renames Annual NASCAR Festival: “ Joliet’s Race Fan Rally”

City unveils new name chosen by fans for sixth annual event

JOLIET, Ill. – May 25, 2006 – Joliet officials announced today that the city has renamed its annual NASCAR fan festival: “ Joliet’s Race Fan Rally.” Earlier this year race fans had a chance to vote on the new name (formerly called Joliet FanFest) through the “Name the Event” promotion on NEXT Media News Talk Sports station WJOL-AM. The new name and logo will debut on signage at the event on July 6.

The sixth annual event on Thursday, July 6, will kick off the NASCAR race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway and is projected be bigger than ever with famous NASCAR drivers, live entertainment, local food vendors and more. There are activities for the avid NASCAR fan and for families simply looking for a fun summertime outing.

The event Web site also is live today at www.jolietracefanrally.com. The Web site is user-friendly and packed with information about driver appearances, race cars that will be on display, musical entertainment, sponsorship information, driving directions and all the activities surrounding the free public event.

“We are really proud of this event and are thrilled to give the festival its own brand,” says Tom Mahalik, Vice President of the Joliet City Center Partnership. “Race Fan Rally will once again deliver the exciting experiences and famous faces that make NASCAR and motor sports so popular in this area.”

Last year over 30,000 people attended the event in downtown Joliet, even more are expected to embark on the streets of Joliet this July.

About Joliet’s Race Fan Rally:

Joliet ’s Race Fan Rally is a family-friendly festival that is completely free and open to the public. FanFest includes live bands, driver appearances, show cars and other exhibits. The 2006 Race Fan Rally takes place in downtown Joliet, Ill. on Thursday, July 6. For more information please visit www.jolietracefanrally.com