NASCAR Grand National Division Speeds Into Central Texas for First Time; Texas Thunder 200 Features Austin Resident and Top Driver Tavo (C.T.) Hellmund

AUSTIN, Texas--Aug. 2, 2005--Full Throttle Productions today announced that the first-ever NASCAR Grand National race to be held in Texas will take place on October 1, 2005 with a start time of 7:55 p.m. "Texas Thunder 200," a NASCAR-sanctioned Grand National Division West Series race, will be held at Thunder Hill Raceway, just south of Austin on Interstate 35 in Kyle, TX. Austin resident and top driver Tavo (C.T.) Hellmund will be a crowd favorite.

"Racing in my own backyard has long been a dream of mine as a driver," said Tavo Hellmund. "NASCAR fans and sports enthusiasts of all kinds will really enjoy the thrill of a short track race event. Plus, the Texas Thunder 200 is a great first-time NASCAR experience for the entire family."

With a capacity to seat 9,000 fans, the race is expected to draw attendees from Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos and the surrounding cities, including Buda, Kyle and New Braunfels.

"We're very excited with this opportunity to bring our series to Texas," said Mike Verlatti, Series Director of the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series. "It gives our drivers and teams a chance to showcase their talent to fans in the state and to provide some great exposure for all the sponsors involved. We look forward to a great and memorable event."

Racetrack gates open on Saturday, October 1, at 11 a.m. and promise a full day of entertainment for fans, including a line-up of musical performances from various recording artists, special pit passes, autograph sessions with select race day drivers, and food and fun for fans of all ages.

Aryn White, General Partner of Full Throttle Productions, echoed the enthusiasm for the race. "Central Texas is home to many major sporting events and now, we're happy to bring NASCAR into that mix. We appreciate the unbridled passion of our sponsors, such as Anheuser Busch/Bud Light, Central Texas Chevy Dealers, Main Street Homes, H-E-B, Suzuki Motorcycles & ATVs, the Hyatt Regency Austin, who see the great upside to bringing this race to our market."

Tickets sales begin today through the day of the event at Web site www.texasthunder200.com and through Texas Box Office at www.texasboxoffice.com (also at H-E-B stores).