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.

For Ford fans, Roush Fenway Racing's "Fan of the Year" contest ends Nov. 18. Fans are invited to log into or join (free of charge) the Roush Racing Fan Club at RoushRacing.com to enter the 2007 Roush Racing Fan of the Year contest. You must be a member of the Roush Racing Fan Club in order to enter the contest. Fan of the Year weekly winners will receive a prize package from Roush Racing and its sponsors and partners. Roush Racing reserves the right to change the contents of this prize package at any time, depending upon product availability.

The Wix Filters Lap Leader Award contest also ends on Nov. 18, and the fan who correctly predicts the lap leader each week will win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2008 Sprint Cup race in Las Vegas.

Perhaps the ultimate fan contest, Crown Royal's "Your Name Here" 400 contest, is accepting entries through Nov. 22.

All you have to do is have a good answer to the question: "What is the most memorable Crown Royal moment you've shared with your friends?" Then, start writing. Following a similar format from last season's promotion, fans 21 and over are asked to submit written essays (50 words or less) completing the question.

One grand-prize winner will receive an ultimate Crown Royal race experience at Richmond International Raceway for the winner and three guests that includes: Round-trip coach airfare for four to Richmond from the major airport closest to the winner's residence, two double occupancy room accommodations for four days / three nights, ground transportation between the airport and hotel and between the hotel and racetrack, name entitlement of a 2008 Sprint Cup Series race to be presented by Crown Royal. Last year's race was named the Crown Royal presents the Jim Stewart 400 in recognition of contest winner Jim Stewart.

For complete contest rules and to enter, visit www.crownroyal.com.

See you in Daytona!