NASCAR Fan Wins $200,000
As the air guns roared and the jack dropped during the rush of tire-changing, Joan Goldsberry, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and her ‘pit crew’ made every second count today as the grand prize winner of the Alltel “My Circle 500” Sweepstakes – a race unlike any other. Goldsberry and her ‘pit crew’ were awarded $200,000 in prize money from Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, after they finished first out of 10 sweepstakes finalists’ teams in the ultimate go-kart and pit crew challenge, held at the Penske Race Shop in Mooresville, N.C.

Goldsberry went head-to-head with No. 12 Alltel Dodge driver Ryan Newman and the other finalists in a thrilling go-kart competition, and her ‘Circle’ of 10 friends clocked a winning time of 32.6 seconds in the pit crew competition to capture the “My Circle 500” grand prize money.

“The ‘My Circle 500’ was designed to provide motorsports fans and Alltel Wireless customers the ultimate race experience,” said Laura Cook, senior vice president of marketing communications for Alltel Wireless. “We are thrilled to award our $200,000 grand prize to Joan Goldsberry and her ‘Circle’ of 10 friends for racing their way to the winner’s circle.”

“Winning the ‘My Circle 500’ was an unforgettable racing experience and a total team effort,” said Goldsberry. “Thanks to the help of my family and friends, our team made it to Victory Lane and will be leaving Charlotte with awesome memories and big-time prize money.”

As part of an all-expense-paid trip to Charlotte, N.C., the 10 sweepstakes finalists and their pit crews also received a tour of the Penske Race Shop, a meeting with Newman and the No. 12 Alltel team and VIP treatment during the race weekend in Charlotte.

“I saw 110 race fans have a lot of fun out here today competing in the Alltel ‘My Circle 500’,” said Newman. “It was great to go head to head with the 10 finalists and watch as each circle put their skills to the test against my pit crew. They looked like pros out there!”

Thousands of race fans across the country entered the text-to-win sweepstakes and hundreds won weekly prizes, including LG 8600 handsets, accessories and Alltel Wireless gift cards.

The “My Circle 500” supports Alltel’s exclusive “My Circle” calling feature, which allows customers the freedom to choose who they call for free – any 10 numbers, any network.

In addition to “My Circle,” Alltel Wireless offers exclusive features including Anytime Plan Changes, giving customers the flexibility to change their rate plan any time, without extending their contract; and Celltop, an exclusive, patent-pending technology providing customers an easier way to access, manage and organize a wide range of information already available on their phones.

VIR Host NASCAR Tests
VIRginia International Raceway is hosting a two-day open test for stock cars on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 29 and 30. With several top teams slated to attend the road course test sessions, the public is invited to watch many of their favorite teams on the scenic 2.25-mile North Course.

Teams planning to participate in the test include Joe Gibbs Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Hendrick Motorsports, Robert Yates Racing, Bobby Ginn Racing, Hall of Fame Racing, Ray Evernham Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Petty Enterprises. Specific drivers have not yet been confirmed, and these teams may be joined by others as the test dates approach. Public admission to the spectator areas is available for $10, either online at www.etix.com, or by calling the track at 434.822.7700. Testing is scheduled to run between 9:00 both mornings until 5:30 in the afternoon with viewing areas open around the track.

VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track will be open to guests attending the testing, with a special ten-percent discount off the regular fees offered to guests wearing shirts or jackets from their favorite race teams. Food and beverages will be available throughout the day.

VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located just on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Virginia. In addition to its 3.27 mile natural-terrain road racing circuit, VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America's first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the Plantation Valley Kart Track, a 5/8 mile paved karting circuit; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room trackside hotel; the VIR Paddock Suites and Garages, with 18 dual-purpose hospitality/lodging units and garages; Camp Motorsport; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. More information about VIR can be found at www.virclub.com or by calling the track at 434.822.7700.(VIR)