Best Western Busch Series Show Car to Visit America's Heartland With State Fair Tour August 13 - October 10

Official Hotel of NASCAR Brings Its No. 99 Chevrolet to Missouri, Illinois, Nevada, California, Nebraska, Kansas and Arkansas

PHOENIX, Aug. 10 -- The Best Western Busch Series Show Car will be making a series of pit stops across America's heartland this summer and fall, bringing the excitement of NASCAR to seven states.

The No. 99 Best Western Chevrolet will be available for viewing by the general public at State Fairs in Missouri (August 13-15); Illinois (August 17- 19); Nevada (August 26-27); California (August 28-30); Nebraska (September 4- 6); Kansas (September 10-12); and Arkansas (October 8-10).

NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to get up-close to a replica of the car veteran Michael Waltrip will actually drive in the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 on Saturday, November 6, at Phoenix International Raceway.

"We are proud to bring two all-American traditions -- the State Fair and NASCAR -- together," said David Scholefield, director of field marketing for Best Western, overseeing the member properties' cooperative marketing efforts. "Fans of both are sure to enjoy checking out our No. 99 Busch Series Show Car. Through such innovative programs, designed specifically for this target audience, Best Western continues to leverage its role as the Official Hotel of NASCAR."

In addition to photo opportunities with the No. 99 Best Western Chevrolet, individuals will have the chance to win numerous prizes, including an autographed Waltrip crew shirt and other special NASCAR-themed merchandise. Visitors can also join Best Western's free loyalty program, Speed Rewards(TM), and even win bonus points redeemable for a variety of products and services.

In January 2004, Best Western International entered into a three-year agreement as the Official Hotel of NASCAR. The company also serves as an associate sponsor of Waltrip and the Dale Earnhardt, Inc.-owned No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. This fall, Best Western will be the primary sponsor of Waltrip's No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Car at Phoenix.

In addition, Best Western has joined NASCAR in sponsoring the Victory Junction Gang Camp, which opened earlier this summer in Randleman, NC, for children with chronic illnesses.

Exclusive new customer benefits resulting from the NASCAR partnership include Speed Rewards, a free, frequent guest program designed specifically for race enthusiasts. As members, individuals can earn valuable points which are redeemable for NASCAR-licensed merchandise such as jackets and caps; free room nights anywhere in the world; dining and shopping certificates; along with special sweepstakes and promotional offerings.

For more information on Best Western/NASCAR activities, visit www.bestwesternracing.com.

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R) with more than 4,100 hotels in 80 countries and territories. It is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members. Information on participating Best Western marketing cooperatives can be found at www.bestwesternmissouri.com; www.bestwesternillinois.com; www.bestwesternnevada.com; www.bestwesterncalifornia.com; www.bestwesternnebraska.com; www.bestwesternkansas.com; and www.bestwesternarkansas.com.

        Best Western No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Show Car Schedule

  Dates                   Location                  Times
  August
        13                Missouri State Fair       9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        14                Missouri State Fair       9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        15                Missouri State Fair       9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

        17                Illinois State Fair       11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        18                Illinois State Fair       11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        19                Illinois State Fair       11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

        26                Nevada State Fair         5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
        27                Nevada State Fair         12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

        28                California State Fair     9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
        29                California State Fair     9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
        30                California State Fair     12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

  September
        4                 Nebraska State Fair       10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        5                 Nebraska State Fair       10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        6                 Nebraska State Fair       10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

        10                Kansas State Fair         11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
        11                Kansas State Fair         9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        12                Kansas State Fair         9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

  October
        8                 Arkansas State Fair       12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
        9                 Arkansas State Fair       10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
        10                Arkansas State Fair       12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

   *All Times Local