Shamu to Join Johnson at Daytona in July

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 7 -- Lowe's and SeaWorld announced today that Jimmie Johnson will feature a Shamu paint scheme on his Chevrolet when the Daytona 500 champion returns to the superspeedway on July 1.

"The No. 48 Lowe's team has done some great family-themed paint schemes in the past few years," said Johnson. "This Shamu scheme is no different. All kids love Shamu. I know I did growing up in San Diego. Now, I'll be able to bring Shamu to the beaches of Daytona and hopefully introduce him to victory lane."

Lowe's is the official Home Improvement Store of all the Busch Entertainment Corp. (BEC) theme parks, including SeaWorld. The paint scheme is part of SeaWorld's introduction of its all new Shamu show, called "Believe," at each of the SeaWorld parks this year.

In addition to the Shamu paint scheme, a lucky race fan will have the opportunity to see the new show and watch as Jimmie Johnson races the Shamu No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet. Fans can log on to http://www.lowesracing.com/ , sign up for a free Team Lowe's Racing fan club membership, then race the specially designed No. 48 Chevrolet online. The fan with the fastest time will win a trip to Orlando to visit SeaWorld and Discovery Cove as well as the opportunity to watch Jimmie race. The Contest will run from April 7 to May 12.

"Lowe's is pleased to offer this unique experience to our race fans," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's senior vice president. "We are always looking for ways to maximize the racing experience for Team 48 fans and their families. This experience allows a lucky fan to see two great shows -- Shamu at SeaWorld and Jimmie Johnson at the racetrack."

"The new Shamu show is the most ambitious show attraction in SeaWorld's 42-year history, and is unlike anything our guests have ever seen. We are excited to see Shamu on the car and fortunate to have Jimmie Johnson and Lowe's help us launch our new show, which, like racing, is great family entertainment," said Robin Carson, BEC's corporate marketing vice president.

The Daytona race kicks off NBC's broadcasts of the second half of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.