Bridgestone Brand Official Sponsor of Inaugural Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Event

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 16, 2008) – The first-class aura of a Barrett-JacksonŽ auction is well known to collector car aficionados worldwide. And when the company stages its inaugural Las Vegas, Nev., auction and lifestyle event in October, the Bridgestone brand will proudly serve as an official sponsor for the upscale affair.

“Our role as an official sponsor of the world’s most prestigious collector car auction provides an ideal opportunity to position the Bridgestone brand as the clear leader in the tire business,” said Phil Pacsi, Vice President, Consumer Tire Marketing, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). “Working with Barrett-Jackson allows us to communicate that Bridgestone-brand tires offer the high-performance technology, refinement and curb appeal that exceed the expectations of a broad range of auto aficionados.”

BFNT will have a transporter on site featuring exclusive show vehicles like the Canepa Design Aston Martin Vantage and race prepared BMW Z4 M coupe, as well as a rare Ducati Desmosedici motorcycle, and a racing kart all on Bridgestone performance tires.

Guests to the display will see the latest products, commercials and motorsports highlights on a 52” plasma screen. Kiosks where event enthusiasts will have the opportunity to register to win a free set of tires will also be part of the display.

The 2008 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event will kick off Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a festive party on the famed Mandalay Bay

Beach. The first ever collector vehicle to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas will cross the block on Thursday, Oct. 16, with auction action continuing through Saturday, Oct. 18. Beyond the auction, the event will encompass a wide range of lifestyle offerings, including an automobilia auction, a vast display from a diverse mix of vendors, and “The Garage” venue for live music, all taking place at Mandalay Bay. The three-day event will be broadcast live on an a cable television network.

“Our automotive lifestyle events are an ideal match for the Bridgestone brand, providing a forum for one-on-one interaction with collectors and automotive enthusiasts at the highest level. We’re proud to be affiliated with Bridgestone and are thrilled to have them involved with our inaugural Las Vegas auction,” said Phil Neri, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Barrett-Jackson.

Bridgestone also served as an official sponsor of the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, Fla., and Scottsdale, Ariz. auctions earlier this year.