Michigan Child Actor Becomes
Hall of Fame's "Driving Spirit"

           DEARBORN, MI, July 7, 1997 -- Andy, an adorable freckle-faced, 10-year-old boy with brown eyes and light brown hair, was born in 1886, the year Carl Benz built the first automobile.
           Andy's spirit--the spirit of discovery--has existed throughout time, from the discovery of fire to the landing of manned spacecraft on the moon.
           "The little boy named Andy represents the 'Driving Spirit' of the new Automotive Hall of Fame," says its President, Gene McKinney. "Andy is the spirit of innovation that existed in the people celebrated through the Hall of Fame's exciting displays and interactive exhibits."
           Visitors will first meet Andy in the Hall of Fame's 65-seat, surround-sound theater. During a short, dramatic video, Andy takes viewers from the days of horse and buggy to a modern-day car race. He introduces Carl Benz, who built the first gasoline automobile, and the Duryea brothers, Charles and Frank, who produced the first volume run of vehicles. He gives visitors a glimpse of a young Henry Ford working on watches before the Model T, then offers a peek at Charles Kettering tinkering on the first electric starter.
           Andy also points out cars, like the Model T and the 1957 Chevy, and innovations, such as the mass production assembly line, that changed the world.
           Andy's most important role is to invite visitors to actively participate in the new Automotive Hall of Fame. After all, says Andy, "The story of the automobile is about accomplishments and about all of us."
           Beyond the theater, Andy becomes a tour guide, popping up in life cast form in various displays and exhibits.
           The driving spirit behind Andy is Jeff Hyke, a budding, young actor. He is the son of Stuart Hyke and Susan Tauber of Rochester, Michigan.
           Jeff, a 10-year-old fifth grader, has starred as Tiny Tim in The Christmas Carol at Meadowbrook Theater for the past two years. He played Tom Sawyer in the Paper Bag Production of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn last winter and just completed a performance as the demonic son in the Avon Player's The Nerd.
           "Andy is energetic. He's the driving spirit that inspires us to achieve," says Jeff, aptly describing his new role. "He's inquisitive and was there when everything was discovered. I guess there's a little bit of Andy inside all of us."
           The new Automotive Hall of Fame is designed and built to be a visitor attraction and educational resource. It celebrates accomplished people of the worldwide motor vehicle industry for the purpose of inspiring others, especially young people, to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. It is a unique "people place" of innovation and inspiration where interactive experiences and one-on-one demonstrations are entertaining and enlightening.
           Automotive Hall of Fame hours of operation and admission: through October, daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; November through Memorial Day, daily except Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission, $6 adult, $5.50 senior 62+, $3 youth.

21400 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48121 USA
Telephone (313) 240-4000
Fax (313) 240-8641