2008 North American International Auto Show Racing Day to Feature American Le Mans Series, IndyCar Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Stars

SEE ALSO: Complete 2008 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

DETROIT, Jan. 14 -- NAIAS Racing Day will commence at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 during NAIAS Public Days. Presented by Sprint, and in its third year, the event offers motorsports fans the rare opportunity to meet American Le Mans Series, IndyCar Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series superstars and walk away with exclusive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Sprint-branded giveaways.

"Motorsports enthusiasts have always been extremely supportive of the NAIAS," said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. "In addition to viewing the stellar lineup of 2008 auto show exhibits, visitors to Racing Day will be able to engage in state-of-the-art driving simulators and interact with some of auto-racing's biggest celebrities."

  Drivers confirmed for autograph signings during NAIAS Racing Day include:

  -- American Le Mans Series Driver Bryan Herta
     Jan. 25, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Michigan Hall

  -- IndyCar Series Drivers Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan
     Jan. 25, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Michigan Hall

  -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Sam Hornish, Jr.
     Jan. 25, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Dodge display (located on the NAIAS Show
     Floor)

  -- Stock Car World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks
     Jan. 25, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.- Dodge display (located on the NAIAS Show
     Floor)

  -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Greg Biffle
     Jan. 25, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.-- Sprint Booth (located on Cobo Concourse)

Fans will have the chance to meet with some of auto racing's biggest names when The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix kicks-off the driver interaction with a question and answer session featuring American Le Mans Series Driver Bryan Herta and IndyCar Series Drivers Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan -- the 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Champion, at 2:30 p.m. in Michigan Hall. Larry Henry of WWJ Newsradio 950 AM will serve as the moderator for this session.

The excitement will continue with the Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept with 392 HEMI(R), presented by Dodge and MOPAR(R), on display in Michigan Hall. Stock Car World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks' Dodge Charger, the vehicle that hit 244.9 mph, will also be on display in Michigan Hall.

As presenting sponsor, Sprint will provide a special interactive display that showcases four 3/4-scale racing simulators. Auto enthusiasts familiar with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will get the chance to have their own real- life driving experience when they climb behind the wheel and compete with family and friends in a race to the finish line.

"The NAIAS gives Sprint a wonderful opportunity to share its love of racing with fans from across the country," said Kim Green-Kerr, area vice president - Michigan & Northwest Ohio, Sprint. "We hope that this event will help satisfy race fans who simply cannot wait for the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series opener in February."

Randy Owens, Motorsports Artist, will be on-hand to sign the official NAIAS 2008 poster from 2 to 3 p.m. in Michigan Hall. International DJ Captn20 is also scheduled to perform during NAIAS Racing Day in Michigan Hall from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

NAIAS Racing Day runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2008. To purchase tickets visit www.naias.com.

NAIAS 2008 Official Dates

Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 13 through Tuesday, Jan. 15. Industry Preview will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Thursday, Jan. 17. The annual black-tie Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 18. Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 27.

  The North American International Auto Show
  Rod Alberts -- Executive Director

Entering its 20th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris- based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com. Don't Miss It for the World!