Kentucky Derby Tops List as America's Favorite Spring Sporting Event

For Launch of the New RX 330, Lexus Survey Reveals the Legendary Thoroughbred Race is America's Choice for Spring

TORRANCE, Calif., April 30 -- When asked what springtime sporting event they'd most want to attend, Americans said they'd head to Churchill Downs to root for their favorite contender at the Kentucky Derby.

about their prescription, or Rx, for Spring Fever.

One of the more revealing results was America's choice of the Kentucky Derby as the favorite springtime sporting event, edging out Baseball's Opening Day by a nose. The results are as follows:

   1.  Kentucky Derby (25%)
   2.  Baseball's Opening Day (23%)
   3.  Final Four College Basketball Championships (18%)
   4.  Indianapolis 500 (15%)
   5.  NBA Championships (12%)
   6.  Don't know (7%)

The spring sporting events question was part of a larger survey conducted by Lexus that asked Americans, "What's your Rx for Spring Fever?"

Of those surveyed, a full 78 percent believe that spring fever does exist, and 70 percent say they've experienced firsthand the effects of spring fever.

But unlike other maladies, they're not seeking a cure. When asked if there were a pill to prevent spring fever, would they be interested in trying it, an overwhelming 89 percent said no.

"Americans told us loud and clear," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "'Don't take away the itch of spring fever; give us something to scratch it with.' Naturally, we think a drive in the new RX 330 would be a great way to help scratch that itch."

And it looks like the Lexus prescription is right on the mark. Hands down, Americans believe the best cure for spring fever is the great outdoors -- activities that allow them to bask in the glory of more sunshine after a dreary winter spell.

  According to the national survey of 1,000 Americans (ages 18 and up):

   The Best Rx for Spring Fever:
   1.  Barbecue/picnic (24%)
   2.  Beach (18%)
   3.  Road trip (13%)
   4.  Outdoor sports (11%)
   5.  Baseball game (8%)
   6.  Golf (7%)

  Mountain biking, and water sports round out the survey.

"Spring fever is a physiological reality," said Dr. Mark Hatton, a psychologist specializing in adjustment issues. "It's more than just a state of mind. There are actual chemical changes happening in your body."

All this preference for outdoor activity is exactly what the doctor ordered. "The best remedy for spring fever is doing naturally what your body is craving and seeking, such as going for a drive along the beach, that exposes you to the sun and allows you to release those pent up feelings," said Dr. Hatton. "So don't fight it. Just go with it."

The All-New Lexus RX 330

Five years ago, the Lexus RX 300 created the luxury crossover segment. Lexus will once again revolutionize this segment with its all-new 2004 RX 330. The new RX -- which arrives in showrooms in late March -- has several new features that help raise the standard in the entry-luxury SUV segment. Lexus craftsmanship and attention to the smallest details provide true luxury by design. Lexus optimized interior comfort and utility to provide more room for five passengers than the previous generation. The sleek new RX 330 provides a host of high technology, safety and comfort features. Examples include the innovative Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), power rear liftgate, and rear backup camera.

The AFS features swiveling headlamps to help illuminate the driver's path on curves. Other amenities include the available power rear liftgate that is controlled from the standard in-key remote entry system and a wide-opening multi-panel moonroof. Dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power front driver seat with memory highlight the front cabin. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system and DVD-based Lexus Navigation System with a rear back-up camera are optional. The rear back-up camera automatically projects a color image of what is behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.

The RX 330 with a V6 3.3 liter engine is available in nine colors, with a base price of $35,025.

Note to Editors: Electronic images are available online via the Wieck Photo Database (972/392-0888) or via the Lexus news media web site ( http://pressroom.lexus.com/ ).

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