First Ever Around-the-World Race for Alternative Fuel Powered Automobiles

'Great Race World 35,000km, New York to Paris 2008' to Test and Prove Viability of Latest Sustainable Automotive Technology

ORANGE, Calif., Aug. 14 -- Alternative fuel and hybrid powered automobiles will be competing in a first ever around-the-world race to prove the viability of the latest sustainable automotive technology. This race of the 21st century, "Great Race World 35,000km, New York to Paris 2008," will showcase new "green" automotive technologies and promote renewable energy usage worldwide by offering a $1 million Innovation Prize to the Innovation Technology division winner. To commemorate the Centennial of the "Greatest Auto Race" of 1908, the "Great Race World 35,000km" will start in New York City on February 12, 2008, and 80 days later, finish at the famous Eiffel Tower landmark on May 1, 2008.

This authentic automotive competition will feature both futuristic alternative fuel automobiles and classic cars in one race. Cars from 1969 or earlier, including muscle cars, will compete in the Classic division. In addition, the Classic division will offer a purse of $500,000. Private teams, manufacturers, and educational institutions are all welcome to apply to compete in the Innovation Technology or Classic divisions. The deadline to submit applications to enter "Great Race World 35,000km" is December 31, 2006. Information regarding entry fees and eligibility may be found at www.greatrace.com.

The "Greatest Auto Race" was created to prove the commercial viability of a newfound technology, the combustion engine propelled automobile. "Great Race World 35,000km" is designed to achieve the same goal -- prove the viability of the latest automotive technologies. Like the pioneers in the 1908 race, these adventurers will be the first to navigate these new technologies around the world.

There are nearly as many ways to participate in the "Great Race World 35,000km" as there are reasons for competing. Some are racing to keep automotive history alive, others, to make automotive history using forward-looking alternative fuel technology. After racing and competing in special challenges across America, the cars will ship to Shanghai where these adventurers will continue racing and competing across Eurasia to Europe and the City of Lights. This ultimate automotive adventure will stop at more than 50 cities and cover more than 14,000 hard-driven miles, sections of it over some of the most desolate landscape on earth.

"Much like the 'Greatest Auto Race' proved the combustion engine a practical solution for motor travel, 'Great Race World 35,000km' will test and prove automotive propulsion technologies that will transport the world's citizens in the 21st century," said Bill Ewing, CEO, Rally Partners, Inc. "It's an incredible opportunity to showcase the latest automotive technology, while celebrating the early pioneers of the automobile in the same race."

"GREATEST AUTO RACE" HISTORY

Starting amid a crush of onlookers in Times Square, six teams including one each from Germany, Italy and the U.S., and three from France, began a car race unlike any other. After leaving New York, the teams plowed through snow across the American mid-west. Harsh conditions forced some of the teams to resort to driving on railroad tracks and being pulled from snow banks by horses. Four teams successfully crossed the continent to San Francisco.

The Protos, from Germany, the American Thomas Flyer, and the Italian Zust set out from Vladivostok, Russia through Siberia en route to Moscow, Russia. Against nearly impossible odds, all three teams completed the final leg from Moscow to Paris, France. The Thomas Flyer was declared the winner of the Greatest Auto Race, after a time penalty was levied on the German Protos. For all the competitors, it was the ultimate automotive adventure.

ABOUT RALLY PARTNERS, INC.

For 24 years, the Great Race has delivered family entertainment and community events in more than 900 cities in North America. Rally Partners, Inc., the event organizers, is focused on bringing experiential automotive events to consumers both nationally and internationally through Great Race events. Jack Roush, one of NASCAR's leading team owners and Corky Coker, CEO of Coker Tire are two members of the Rally Partners organization. For more information, visit www.greatrace.com.