NATIONWIDE INSURANCE TO PARTNER WITH KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY

SPARTA, Ky. – Nationwide® Insurance, first-year title sponsor of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will be the “Official Auto, Home and Life Insurance of Kentucky Speedway” through 2010 according to newly-formed corporate partnership.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Nationwide Insurance will highlight its partnership by encouraging agents and associates to celebrate “Nationwide Day” on June 14 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series “Meijer 300 Presented by Oreo” at Kentucky Speedway.

Nationwide will further connect with Kentucky Speedway visitors through on-site displays, venue signage, souvenir program advertisements, public address announcements and additional promotional elements through the length of the partnership.

“We’re delighted to have Nationwide Insurance join our family of corporate sponsors,” Kentucky Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark F. Cassis said. “This strategic marketing approach will be leveraged to promote not only the June Nationwide Series event but all of our events throughout the year.”

The 66,089-capacity Kentucky Speedway attracted 70,336 to its inaugural Nationwide Series event won by Kevin Harvick in 2001 and saw 70,419 attend the series 300-mile race in 2007. Overall, the speedway has attracted an average crowd of 70,952 to its seven Nationwide Series events.

“The NASCAR Nationwide Series provides Nationwide Insurance a chance to extend our On Your Side brand promise directly to NASCAR fans across the country,” said John Aman, AVP Strategic Sponsorships for Nationwide Insurance. “Our partnership with a quality facility like Kentucky Speedway provides us the opportunity to directly reach fans in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio throughout the year.”

About Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $158 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 104 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services including auto homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

About Kentucky Speedway

Kentucky Speedway will open its ninth season of operation May 10 with the ARCA RE/MAX Series "Drive Smart Buckle-Up Kentucky 150.” The 150-mile street stock "Frank Kimmel Enduro Nationals II Presented by Harley-Davidson of Cincinnati and the Thoroughbred Harley-Davidson Shop of Florence Kentucky" will be held May 24 and will be followed by a June 14 visit from the NASCAR Nationwide Series for the "Meijer 300 Presented by Oreo." The July race weekend will feature the ARCA RE/MAX Series “Kentucky 150” July 18 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series “Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers” July 19. The IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series will practice at the track Aug. 8 before respectively competing in the "Meijer Indy 300" and Indy Pro Series “Kentucky 100” under the lights Aug. 9. The season will come to a thunderous close Sept. 20 when the Major League of Monster Trucks races its high-horsepower machines side-by-side through an obstacle-filled, custom-designed dirt track on the speedway infield. The track also will play host to a Fanfest event Aug. 8 during which fans will be able to tour IndyCar Series garage areas, participate in race-related family activities and receive autographs from their favorite competitors.

Each main race-event also will feature a prerace concert by a nationally-known artist or group. Rising country music vocalist Rissi Palmer will perform May 10, rock-band Smashmouth takes the stage June 14, Bood, Sweat & Tears will play its classic fusion hits July 19 and Indie artist Josh Kelley will entertain Aug. 9.

Single-race tickets are on sale now and can be reserved online through the tickets pages of this Web site or by phone at 888-652-RACE (7223). Fans also can visit any Meijer store or the Kentucky Speedway ticket offices at 200 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 100 in Ft. Mitchell, Ky., next to Montgomery Inn or the speedway Fan Center off of I-71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 in Sparta, Ky. Season race plans also are available now and can be reserved by phone at 859-578-2300, online through the Kentucky Speedway Web site or through track ticket offices.