Gentlemen, submit your entry lists for '08 contests

If you want to go to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and you can't seem to find a ticket, then you're in luck: enter one of the many contests from NASCAR sponsors eager to make sure you attend in style.

The 50th Anniversary Daytona 500 is one of those watershed events that comes along once in a generation, and everyone wants to go. Everyone wants to go anyway, but it's even more imperative now.

With so much attention on next year's first race, companies are busy generating the excitement now, while racecars are still on the track this season.

Chevrolet has a big one that reaches out to all 50 states. The Chevy Great American Race Experience will name 50 winners -- one from each state -- as guests of the manufacturer for the race, and each one will be allowed a guest. Ten of them will be eligible to win a 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Impala. Entry deadline is Dec. 3.

As is usual with such contests, winners receive round-trip airfare, lodging, ground transportation, tickets to the Craftsman Truck and Nationwide Series events as well as the 50th Daytona 500, admission to sponsor events and Team Chevy parties, plus VIP access at the track. Fans can sign up at www.chevy.com/daytona500.

That's a pretty sweeping promotion, designed to get NASCAR fans excited about the race and the sponsor. It's a good thing for fans, too.

"This is a fantastic promotion that really hits race fans in the sweet spot," said Ed Martin, senior vice-president of community for the Official NASCAR Members Club, NASCAR's only licensed fan organization. "When you look at the reach, it mirrors what the ONMC is trying to do, which is bring all of NASCAR's fans together in a big tent and celebrate their passion for the sport at the biggest event in a generation.

"We have members in all 50 states, and we are encouraging all of them to sign up. They have as good a chance as anyone to spend Speedweeks as a Chevy VIP in addition to being a NASCAR VIP."

Team Tylenol has its own contest that will award a four-day, three-night trip for four to the 2008 Daytona 500, plus Team Tylenol gear and more. Check it out at www.TeamTylenol.com.

There are some interesting contests available to NASCAR fans that don't have anything to do with the Daytona 500.

Lester Buildings, manufacturer of outdoor storage units, will build a complete hobby storage building on the winner's property. Sweepstakes ends on Nov. 12, so sign up at www.lesterbuildings.com.

Speaking of race fans, here's a contest that should be near and dear to the heart of any fan that doesn't travel to NASCAR races in his or her own RV: Holiday Inn's "Stay Under Green for Life" Sweepstakes.

Grand prize in this one is a trip to the Daytona 500 plus 2.9 million Holiday Inn Priority Club points. That's enough for 116 nights at any Holiday Inn of the winner's choice. Contest ends Nov. 15, so get cracking and log on to www.HolidayInnPromotion.com.

Budweiser has its "Red Alert" Sweepstakes going through Nov. 17, and grand prize for that one is a trip for two to the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. Enter at www.Budweiser.com. (Continued)