AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES ANNOUNCES PREMIER JEWELRY BRAND MIKIMOTO AS NEWEST CORPORATE PARTNER

MIKIMOTO, The Originator of Cultured Pearls since 1893 and one of the world's premier jewelry brands, the Series' newest corporate partner.

Braselton, GA. January 27, 2009: The American Le Mans Series today announced MIKIMOTO, The Originator of Cultured Pearls since 1893 and one of the world's premier jewelry brands, as a corporate partner for the 2009 season.

MIKIMOTO, renowned worldwide for offering the highest quality cultured pearls, will showcase a collection of its renowned jewelry while activating its partnership through American Le Mans Series VIP hospitality, the Series' official charity - the Austin Hatcher Foundation - and an exclusive network of high quality jewelry retailers.

"Kokichi Mikimoto has instilled a synonymous tradition of excellence in his company and their products that mirrors that of the American Le Mans Series," remarked Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. "MIKIMOTO pearls are the global benchmark for quality, style, service and prestige. This unique partnership with MIKIMOTO will break new ground in a category not traditionally associated with motorsports. It is encouraging that during these challenging economic times that the American Le Mans Series platform continues to attract world class brands and partners such as MIKIMOTO who are eager to associate and activate with the Series."

Since 1893, when company founder Kokichi Mikimoto successfully produced the world's first cultured pearl, Mikimoto has succeeded in gaining international recognition by branding itself as a symbol of world class elegance, high-style and premium quality. Today MIKIMOTO stands along as the world leader in quality and sales of premium pearl jewelry offering a wide range of products from men's cufflinks to exquisite ladies necklaces and bracelets.

Atherton: Even in challenging economic times, the American Le Mans Series platform continues to attract world-class brands and partners.

"MIKIMOTO is a company built on rich traditions and prestige, qualities American Le Mans is known for around the world. We can not think of a better organization to partner with," explains Meyer Hoffman, COO of Mikimoto America. "Our customers choose Mikimoto because they know they are getting the very best when it comes to pearls. It is truly an honor to offer them VIP access to exclusive events with the most coveted name in motorsports, Le Mans. We are providing experiences that money simply can not buy," he added.

The American Le Mans Series, recognized as the premium brand of motorsport in North America, features high-tech, relevant sports cars from the most prestigious automobile manufacturers in the world. Its unique four classes of competition showcase exotic, open-top prototypes and sophisticated production-based GT cars, all competing on the track at the same time. The Series opens its season March 21 at Sebring International Raceway with America's oldest and most famous sports car race - the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida.