Suburban Lincoln Mercury Dealer Group Official Automotive Sponsor of 82nd Mackinac Race

DETROIT, July 11 -- Commodore Dan Padilla of Detroit-based Bayview Yacht Club (BYC) today announced the support of the Suburban Lincoln Mercury Dealer group and welcomed the 90 member organization as official automotive sponsor of the 82nd Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race scheduled to set sail from Port Huron, Michigan, on Saturday, July 15, 2006.

The Bayview Mackinac Race has been a Michigan tradition since 1925. Each year, the best skippers and crews gather to test their skills and the capabilities of their boats. From mast to keep, each craft is carefully tuned to be the best that it can be. This same attention to perfection is the driving force behind another Michigan tradition that had its beginnings in 1917 when Henry Leland founded the Lincoln Motor Company. Since then, every Lincoln has made its mark with style, quality and performance carefully tuned to be the best it can be.

And that same satisfaction ... having the best and being recognized for it ... is why today's Lincoln Mercury lineup is the perfect match for today's race attendees.

The Lincoln Mark LT, is well received in Michigan. With its combination of state of the art extras coupled with the power and capability of a real pickup truck, it's an obvious choice for an active Michigan lifestyle that also demands a high level of refinement. Mark LT features an Audiophile R Sound system with in-dash CD, a 6 disk CD changer and optional satellite radio all rolled into one handsome warm steel and real ebony wood-trimmed console. Rear seat passengers can enjoy the available rear seat DVD entertainment system. The Mark LT features a smooth, powerful 300 hp V-8 and 8,900 pound towing capability that is the very best in the full size luxury pickup class when properly equipped. The Lincoln Mark LT makes a statement, whether towing a boat into the marina or making a stunning arrival at the yacht club.

Another great choice for the boating lifestyle is the legendary Lincoln Navigator, the original full size luxury SUV. It not only claims bragging rights, it enforces them with its bold commanding presence. Navigator is also available with the most up to date high-tech features: DVD-based navigation system, satellite radio and Lincoln Soundmark THX Certified Audio System. And Navigator makes any trip even easier with an available power liftgate and power-fold 3rd row seat that makes loading and unloading a breeze. Available power-deployable running boards make it equally easy to board and onboard guests. It's roomy enough to pamper up to eight crew members with available heated and cooled front seats and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Restyled and updated for 2006, the Mercury Mountaineer boasts new features and upgrades. Mountaineer joins the fleet by also offering an available DVD-based navigation system, satellite radio, DVD entertainment system and more. Mountaineer has also added a power feature to its available flat-folding "disappearing" third row seat, a convenience that makes it one-touch easy for active families to load and unload sailing gear. Mountaineer has also upgraded its available V-8 to not only be more powerful, but also more fuel efficient with an EPA estimated mpg 15 city/21 highway for a Mountaineer premier 4x2.

The Suburban Lincoln Mercury Dealers provide the race with a great look at the amazing technology, safety features and towing capabilities of today's newest vehicles. Our navigators are certain to appreciate the new Lincoln Navigator vehicle and the Mark LT. Our 82nd consecutive sailing invites sailors and race enthusiasts to enjoy an extraordinary sport, and this year we are proud to share the experience with Lincoln Mercury," said Padilla. "As the largest fresh water sailboat race in the United States, the event always brings thousands of spectators to Michigan's scenic shore from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. In the days immediately preceding the start, the City of Port Huron welcomes the crowds with great family oriented activities, the showpiece of which is Boat Night on Friday night, a virtual rainbow of color, activity and sailing lore."

According to race chairman, Lance Smotherman, "There are nearly 300 sailboats docked virtually in every corner of the Black River in preparation for the big sail on the 15th. We, as the sailing community, look forward to the extraordinary bringing together of people who not only share the sport but those who share the excitement. We plan for fun and great competition, but above all, we plan for a safe voyage with stringent rules and safety regulations."

"Lincoln Mercury vehicles, especially the elegantly restyled Lincoln Navigator, the Mercury Mountaineer and the all new Mark LT are the perfect match for sailors," said Dave Peterson of Peterson & Son Lincoln Mercury (Suburban Detroit DMA) and board member. "Each has premium interior features, extra towing capacity, plenty of power, large cargo space, safety features, family friendly comfort and great design. We are especially proud to showcase these vehicles in Port Huron and at events leading up to the great race and to lend our support to such an important historic occasion."

For the organizers, skippers, sailors and spectators, the race is an annual opportunity for competition and family togetherness. For many, it is a need for adventure and seamanship. For others, it marks the annual trip up north. No matter the reason, the sailing crews of the expected 300 boats will start the race about 4.2 miles north of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. They will then sail up the coast of Michigan, a 204 mile route, or a longer 253 mile course toward Southampton, Ontario and over to Mackinac Island.

With 300 entries, the varying size of the crafts is of particular attention. The multiple divisions and classes feature yachts from 26 feet to 72 feet in length, and the largest boat may exhibit a crew of over 20 members. The classes showcase every type of sailing vessel, from the laid back cruising class to the full power racing boats to the advanced, high-tech quick multi hulls. Popular participants and boat names will keep the spectators' interest as the fleet sails from start to finish.

Bayview Yacht Club sits on the banks of the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake St. Clair. Recently celebrating its 91st birthday, the club has a colorful and unique history having survived the great depression and World War II. Today, it is widely respected as one of the premier sailing clubs in the world and is noted for the many America's Cup and Whitbred sailors among its crews.

The Suburban Lincoln Mercury Dealer group has 90 stores located in Michigan, Toledo, Ohio, Fort Wayne and South Bend, Indiana.

For additional information concerning the 82nd Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race, rules and history, visit Bayview Yacht Club website at http://www.byc.com/ . For more information on the entire Lincoln Mercury lineup, visit lincolnmercury.com.