UPDATE: On June 16, from 8-9 a.m., AAA Michigan Invites You to Test Your Auto Racing Skills at the AAA Motorsports Charity Challenge Media-Cup

A racing simulator duplicates the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Compete against fellow media for three top prizes to benefit the charity of winner's choice. First place gets $2,000; second place, $1,000 and third place, $500. First-place winner goes head-to-head with AAA-sponsored NEXTEL Cup driver Carl Edwards.

During the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing season, AAA is sponsoring driver Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Roush Racing team. A replica of the No. 99 Car will be on display during the Charity Challenge and Carl will meet with media at the event to speak, take questions and pose for photos.

Learn how many of the safety features on passenger vehicles were introduced and perfected in auto racing (shoulder and lap belts, rear view mirrors, hydraulic brakes).

WHO: Carl Edwards - A rising star on the NEXTEL Cup Circuit, Edwards currently ranks fourth in the overall NEXTEL Cup point standings and has achieved four top-five and six top-10 finishes in just 14 starts in 2005. Edwards earned his first career Cup win in Atlanta back in March, the same weekend he won his first Busch Series race.

  Charles Podowski, president and CEO of AAA, The Auto Club Group.

  WHERE:  AAA Michigan Dearborn HQ, 1 Auto Club Drive 48126

WHEN: Thursday, June 16, 2005. Charity Challenge is from 8-9 a.m. Press conference follows from 9-9:30 and Carl will race top media winner from 9:30-9:45.

  WHY:  To raise funds for favorite media charities

        To raise awareness about safety and security on our nation's
        highways

  CONTACT:  Nancy Cain of AAA Michigan, +1-313-336-1514.

PRNewswire -- June 13