Crown Royal Unveils New Paint Scheme and New Number for Jamie McMurray and the Roush Racing Ford Fusion

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 17, 2006 -- Crown Royal today kicked off a year of new beginnings as they unveiled a brand new paint scheme and car number for the No. 26 Roush Racing Ford Fusion piloted by new driver Jamie McMurray. The car will feature a purple and white color scheme, with gold striping reminiscent of the stitches that line Crown Royal's famed purple bag packaging. There will be both daytime and nighttime versions of the paint scheme.

Crown Royal's parent company Diageo -- the world's leading premium drinks business -- announced in November 2005 that it will take over primary sponsorship of Jamie McMurray's Roush Racing Ford Fusion beginning with the 2006 season. Crown Royal will own the primary paint scheme for 18 races this season, with Smirnoff ICE -- another Diageo brand -- owning three, and Newell-Rubbermaid retaining the remaining 15 races. In 2004, Crown Royal became the first spirits brand to enter the sport after NASCAR announced that spirits companies would be allowed to participate as team sponsors.

"The new No. 26 paint scheme truly embodies the iconic Crown Royal look and gives us an exciting way to kick off our primary sponsorship," said Jim Lorenz, Senior Brand Manager, Crown Royal. "With a new look, new number and new partnership with one of the sport's top stars, we are prepared to hit the ground running in 2006 as we continue to advance our 'Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly.' campaign."

Jamie McMurray, 29, widely regarded as one of the sport's rising stars, will be embarking on his fourth full season driving in NASCAR's elite series. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, and finished 12th in the 2005 point standings.

"I can't wait to start the new racing season with Crown Royal and Roush Racing," McMurray said. "The car looks incredible, and I'm looking forward to joining Crown Royal in their efforts to promote responsible drinking."

Throughout the 2006 season, Crown Royal will utilize its association with NASCAR to promote its "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly," campaign to millions of NASCAR's adult fans. On September 10, 2005 at Richmond International Speedway, Crown Royal became the first and only spirit brand to win a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race when the No. 97 drove to victory during the Chevy Rock and Roll 400.

Crown Royal's integrated motorsports marketing plan will include primary sponsorship at 18 races during the 2006 season, including the Daytona 500. The brand will continue to capitalize on its sponsorship on several additional levels throughout the season, including consumer promotions and retail events, dedicated print and broadcast advertising to promote responsible drinking, licensing, online consumer promotions, public relations and hospitality.

Crown Royal also continues to engage race fans across the country with its title sponsorship of the Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) series. In addition, the Crown Royal Special Reserve brand is presenting sponsor of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, and Crown Royal will serve as title sponsor of the 2006 Crown Royal 250 at Watkins Glen, NY on August 11.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal, the number one selling Canadian Whisky, has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. In addition to its sponsorship of the Crown Royal IROC Series, Grand Am and the No. 26 Nextel Cup Team, the brand also sponsors The Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy Tour, the Crown Royal American Turfstakes race at Churchill Downs and a number of other major regional and national events. For more information on Crown Royal, visit www.crownroyal.com.

About Roush Racing

Roush Racing is a subsidiary of Livonia, Mich., based Roush Industries that operates 12 motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Nextel Cup with drivers Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, five in the Busch Series with Martin, Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards and Todd Kluever, and two in the Craftsman Truck Series. For more information on Roush Racing, visit www.Roushracing.com.

About Diageo

Crown Royal is proudly owned by Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.