NASCAR Returns to Central Texas for April 19 “Allstate Texas Racefest”

Special Celebrity Challenge Race Features Musicians, Politicians, Businessmen, News Anchors, Olympic Gold Medal Winners and TV Stars in a Race for Charity

Austin, TX (April 14, 2008) – The Allstate Texas Racefest, voted "event of the year" by NASCAR three years in a row, will return to Central Texas and the challenging D-shaped oval at Thunder Hill Raceway on April 19, 2008; bringing the stars of the NASCAR Grand National Division and the addition of the first "Allstate Celebrity Challenge presented by Mercedes-Benz of Austin." Celebrity participants include Olympic Gold Medalist Ian Crocker; Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson; actor Brad Leland of NBC's "Friday Night Lights;" businessman Paul Carrozza (owner of RunTex); University of Texas Athletics CFO Ed Goble; and singer-songwriter Paula Nelson among others. Celebrity drivers will be competing in Stock Cars for 10 laps, racing for bragging rights and prize money that will be donated to the charity of their choice.

Tavo (C. T.) Hellmund and Aryn White of Full Throttle Productions, LP have high expectations and a few surprises for Central Texas race fans. “We're going to continue with the same successful elements of previous Racefest events and step it up a notch" White noted. A midway with all day DJ, NASCAR driver autograph session, face painting, a velcro climbing wall, and sponsor tents all add to the fun.

This year, the family-friendly atmosphere also includes:

• Kasey Kahne's NASCAR Sprint Cup car for personalized photo opportunities
• Allstate "pit stop" challenge for fans to test their skills with an impact gun
• A chance to win a ride in the pace car for the start of the NASCAR race
• Live music by local Austin favorite George DeVore
• And State of Texas Comptroller Susan Combs with the official race start as ‘Racefest Grand Marshal”

The festivities will also include the "Allstate 50" featuring the Texas Super Racing Series. TSRS is the premiere Late Model Series in the State.

Capping it all off is the highlight of the event, the Allstate Texas Thunder 150 NASCAR Grand National Division race, giving Central Texans a chance to see real NASCAR racing up close and near home. Two years ago David Gilliland finished second in the Allstate Texas Thunder 150 and by the next season won the NASCAR Sprint Cup pole position at the Daytona 500. “We are fortunate that NASCAR has granted us the one ‘off’ Cup weekend of the first half of the year," Hellmund said, referring to the fact that the NASCAR Sprint Cup stars aren't racing that weekend. "We know this date is a big plus for all of the fans that attend our event.” Hellmund continued.

Tickets for the 2008 “Allstate Texas Racefest” are available for advanced purchase at a discounted price from the event website http://www.texasracefest.com./

Allstate Texas Racefest Event Schedule
Saturday April 19, 2008

8:00 AM NASCAR Garage Opens & Inspection Begins
12:00 PM Will Call Opens
1:30 PM Gates Open To Public
1:30 PM NASCAR CWS Practice
3:30 PM Allstate Celebrity Challenge Practice
5:00 PM NASCAR CWS Qualifying
5:45 PM NASCAR Autograph Session & Live Music by George DeVore
6:30 PM Opening Ceremonies
6:40 PM TSRS Race / Allstate Texas Thunder 507:30 PM Allstate Celebrity Challenge Race
8:15 PM NASCAR CWS Driver Introductions
8:30 PM NASCAR Race Green Flag / Allstate Texas Thunder 150
9:45 PM NASCAR Victory Lane & Fireworks

About the NASCAR Grand National Division The NASCAR Grand National Division cars are nearly identical to those used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. (It is the only NASCAR division that allows teams to choose which car to race.)

About Full Throttle ProductionsFull Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, based sports and special event Production Company that provides event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.

http://www.texasracefest.com/

Thunder Hill RacewayThunder Hill Raceway is on IH-35 in Kyle, Texas, just north of San Marcos. From north or south, take Exit 210 (Yarrington Road). The frontage road is two-way and the track is on the east side of IH-35.