All-Star Challenge trophy tour kicks off celebration

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Several exciting ancillary events for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge were announced Wednesday, and an unprecedented element -- a 10-city, statewide trophy tour -- promises to bring attention to the region and the Nextel All-Star Challenge.

The Nextel All-Star Challenge trophy, along with many racing celebrities, dignitaries and interactive fan activities, will take part in the journey May 10-19, from Raleigh to Wilmington, with the finale in Charlotte. This statewide tour is one of several initiatives planned to highlight the Nextel All-Star Challenge on May 21 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

	ALSO •   All-Star Challenge •   Trophy Tour •   Pit Crew Challenge •   All-Star Challenge Contest

"The local organizing committee for the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Celebration has worked very hard for months to bring all the thrilling special events to life," said committee co-chair Mike Butts, executive director of Visit Charlotte. "Our regional and state representatives have pulled together to design elements that will invigorate not only the race fans but the entire community statewide."

The LOC is comprised of 20 regional and statewide business, civic and sports organizations throughout North Carolina. This diverse group has led a fundraising effort across the state to bring these events to fruition. In addition to the Nextel All-Star Challenge Trophy Tour, other results from the LOC's planning efforts include the NextelPit Crew Challenge, a new event to be held at the Charlotte Coliseum on May 19; marketing elements such as billboard advertisements, radio and television announcements for the local community's involvement; airport displays and much more.

"We have been honored to help lead this event for the region, as this united effort exemplifies what we are capable of doing: bringing our organizations' visions together to benefit everyone," said Ann Sternal, executive director of the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau and co-chair of the LOC.

"It's quite an undertaking to bring so many groups together for one cause and we've been impressed with the LOC's support for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge," said Mark Schweitzer, senior vice president of marketing for Nextel Communications. "We're proud to partner with them to promote this great event, not just in Charlotte, but across the state of North Carolina."