Let NASCAR Star Jamie McMurray Drive You Home, Courtesy of Crown Royal and Diageo

'Safe Ride Home' Designated Driver Program Comes to Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 1 -- Indianapolis residents have seen NASCAR star Jamie McMurray handle the turns at the Brickyard, but on Thursday, August 3, fans will have the chance to watch him from the back seat as Roush Racing driver, McMurray tests his skills on the city streets during the Crown Royal "Safe Rides Home" program in downtown Indianapolis.

As part of this designated driver initiative, McMurray will team with his primary race sponsor, Crown Royal and its parent company Diageo, to deploy a fleet of replica purple and gold No. 26 Ford Fusion cars that will be offering local bar patrons free, safe rides home for two nights. To show his commitment to the program on the kickoff night, McMurray will get behind the wheel of one of the vehicles and provide free rides home to select consumers who sign up at a special Crown Royal No. 26 taxi stand.

This marks the second straight year the program has visited Indianapolis prior to the Brickyard race. After servicing many Indianapolis residents with safe rides home last year, Crown Royal has added a second night to the program.

"This year we decided to expand the program to two nights, allowing us to cover more ground over a longer period of time," said Jim Lorenz, Senior Brand Manager, Crown Royal. "This signature program continues to build upon its successes as the perfect vehicle to promote responsible decision-making."

McMurray's appearance will launch the two-day program that aims to drive hundreds of Indianapolis residents home safely prior to the Allstate 400 at The Brickyard on August 6. The program is set to take place in Meridian Park (by Jackson Place) on Thursday, August 3, and Broadripple (Guilford Avenue) on Friday, August 4. Marked kiosks will accept "fares" from 8:00pm - 1:00am on both nights.

In total, 10 Crown Royal Ford Fusions will be in rotation and residents within a 20-mile radius of downtown Indianapolis that are 21 years of age or older are eligible. There is a four-passenger limit per car.

Indianapolis is the second stop for "Safe Rides Home" this season after previously visiting Fort Worth in April prior to the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The program, which promotes responsible decision making and getting home safely, has provided rides for hundreds of patrons and NASCAR fans since its inception in 2003. The program was created by Diageo to reinforce the importance of assigning designated drivers.

"After seeing the fan turnout and success of previous 'Safe Rides Home' initiatives, I can't wait to meet some Indy residents, jump in the Ford Fusion, and get them home safe. Crown Royal and I are passionate about the importance of responsible drinking, and this event is a great way for us to show that passion," said McMurray.

Jamie McMurray, 30, widely regarded as one of the sport's rising stars, currently is in his fourth full season driving in NASCAR's elite series. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, and currently sits 17th in the NASCAR Nextel Cup standings just past the halfway point of the season.

Crown Royal's integrated motorsports marketing plan includes primary race team sponsorship at 18 races during the 2006 season. 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 served as title sponsor in 2006 for the Crown Royal Grand American Challenge of Long Beach, CA on April 8 and will serve as the sponsor for the Crown Royal 200 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 Enterprises which operates 13 motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Nextel Cup with drivers Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, six in the Busch Series with Martin, Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, Todd Kluever and Danny O'Quinn, Jr., and two in the Craftsman Truck Series with Martin, David Ragan and Erik Darnell. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Robin Johnson, Roush Racing, (704) 720-4645.

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.

  CONTACT:
  Dan Sanborn                           Bryan Kirsch
  646-223-2188;                         212-714-1280;
  dan.sanborn@diageo.com                bryank@alantaylor.com