DIRECTV to Sponsor Spirit of Daytona
Daytona Beach, Florida (June 28, 2006) DIRECTV to Sponsor Spirit of Daytona Spirit of Daytona Racing with Bobby Labonte announced today that DIRECTV has signed on to sponsor Bobby Labonte and Guy Cosmo in the Brumos Porsche 250 at the Daytona International Speedway on June 29. The No. 07 Pontiac Crawford will be outfitted with a blue and white paint scheme inspired by DIRECTV's logo and colors. MarineMax, the nation's largest boating and yachting retailer, will also be sponsoring the Daytona Prototype for the race. This will be DIRECTV's first time involvement with the Grand American Rolex Series, marking an important first footprint for its growth in the motorsports market. Earlier this year, DIRECTV sponsored a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in Martinsville, VA and became the primary sponsor on a NEXTEL Cup car. DIRECTV's move to become involved with the Rolex Series will further establish itself as the number one digital television supplier. DIRECTV is the nation's largest digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. "We are very happy to have DIRECTV come onboard with our race program. With DIRECTV's involvement and the great driver lineup, I know we will provide a win for all involved. We tested with Bobby and Guy in mid-June at Daytona and I think they will be a successful fit. Guy provides great feedback on the car. It is a competitive duo and I am excited to see them race," said team owner/manager Troy Flis. MarineMax will also be making its first appearance on the Grand American Rolex stage. With 85 locations across the United States, MarineMax is the nation's largest and most successful boating and yachting retailer and has a strong presence in the Florida market. As an associate sponsor of the Daytona Prototype, the company's logo will be featured on the roof of the car and on race t-shirts and will be seen by thousands of motorsports fans. In addition to sponsoring the car, MarineMax will also be hosting a flotilla of yachts in Daytona Beach for one of the company's famed Getaways!. As a part of the Getaway! event, MarineMax customers will attend the race weekend and will be able to see the MarineMax- sponsored car on track and also on display in the Fan Walk. "This is an exciting opportunity for MarineMax," says David Witty, MarineMax Florida President. "Many of our boating and yachting customers are avid motorsports fans, and we're pleased to be able to bring the boating and racing lifestyles together for the weekend. For our customers attending the Getaway!, it will be a real treat to see the MarineMax name on the track. We are all looking forward to the race weekend." "MarineMax is a great company to have involved in our program. I know this is their first time participating in motorsports, and it will be a great relationship," said Flis. Labonte is ready for his busy race weekend with the Rolex Series and the NEXTEL CUP race. "I am excited to get back into the DP and I am really looking forward to the Brumos 250. With the sponsorship that we have pulled together we should have a really good effort come Thursday night," said 07 driver, Bobby Labonte. Guy Cosmo is also looking forward to his first time driving for Spirit of Daytona. "The Daytona Prototype has felt great each time I have been in it. It is very exciting to be with someone like Bobby Labonte with so many racing accomplishments. Anytime you have a chance to be involved with a guy like Bobby and with great sponsors like MarineMax and DIRECTV you can't take it for granted. Everyone involved just adds to the race enthusiasm. I have been very fortunate to work with so many people here in the paddock and it's great to be with Spirit of Daytona. This has allowed me to put another notch on my belt," said Cosmo. Spirit of Daytona Racing with Bobby Labonte will be holding a press conference on Thursday, June 29 at 12:15PM at the Daytona International Speedway to explain more about the DIRECTV motorsports program. For more information on Spirit of Daytona visit: www.spiritofdaytona.com About DIRECTV, Inc.: DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment. DIRECTV is approximately 37 percent owned by News Corporation. About MarineMax Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Meridian, Hatteras, Grady White, and the Ferretti Group including: Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, Mochi Craft, Apreamare and Bertram, the Company sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and provides yacht brokerage services. The Company currently operates 85 retail locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange- listed company.