Kmart Press Release: Kmart Sends Judy Briggs to Brickyard 400 with Shot at Winning a Million Dollars
07/26/96
JUDY BRIGGS OF TEXAS IS SET TO WIN A MILLION DOLLARS AT THE BRICKYARD 400 TROY, Mich., July 25 -- Kmart Corporation is providing Judy Briggs of Rowlet, Texas, with the chance of a lifetime. On August 3, 1996, Briggs will sit trackside at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, Ind., hoping that Kmart/Little Caesar's NASCAR driver John Andretti takes the checkered flag. If Andretti wins the race, Briggs will be a millionaire. If he does not win the race, Briggs will still be a winner as she drives away in a Limited Edition Kranefuss/Haas Ford Thunderbird. Kmart, Little Caesars and their NASCAR associate sponsors, including Bell South, Coinex, Coleman, Eveready, Gillette, Kleenex, Maxell, RCA Label Group, Royal Crown Cola, and T-Plus, collaborated to make the Team Kmart $1 Million Sweepstakes a reality. Thousands of Kmart customers entered the sweepstakes from May 19 to June 19, 1996. Briggs and her husband will enjoy an all-expenses paid weekend to the NASCAR race in Indianapolis. While at the track, she will meet Andretti, members of the Kmart/Little Caesars race team and tour the garage and pit areas. "The opportunity to provide one of our customers with the chance of a lifetime, along with the thrill of attending a NASCAR race, has generated a lot of excitement among our associates and our participating associate sponsors," said Cecil Kearse, Kmart's Vice President, Sales. "Response to the sweepstakes was huge, and we appreciate all the Kmart customers who registered and support our racing efforts." Briggs, who entered at her local Kmart in Garland, Texas (5701 Broadway), said she and her husband would use their winnings to buy some luxuries then put the rest toward their retirement. "This is so exciting. My husband and I are loyal Kmart customers and can't believe we have the chance to win a million dollars. My son-in-law was the race fan, but I guarantee you that I won't miss a race from now on. The money is exciting to think about, but this is a no lose situation for us. Either we win the money or a new car." Kmart began its racing involvement in 1988 with the Newman/Haas IndyCar team and in 1995 entered the NASCAR series in a partnership with the Kranefuss/Haas team. In 1996, driver John Andretti continues Kmart's proud racing tradition as he pilots the Kmart/Little Caesars machine. This year, on behalf of Kmart, Andretti is participating in the Race Against Drugs (RAD) program to educate school-age children about the dangers of drug abuse and the benefits of staying in school. Andretti will attend a school assembly held at the end of the program to talk to students about the importance of staying in school and off drugs. Students completing the eight-week RAD program have the opportunity to receive scholarships provided by Kmart. Kmart Corporation serves America with 2,147 Kmart and 168 Builders Square retail outlets. In addition to serving all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kmart operations extend to Canada and, through a joint venture, to Mexico.