Fan gets special surprise thanks to Johnson, BofA

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bank of America gave NASCAR Banking customer Rhonda Beck of Cornelius, N.C., the thrill of a lifetime this week by arranging an exclusive opportunity to meet 2007 Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and tour the actual race shop floor where his cars are built and made race-ready.

The surprise experience celebrated Bank of America's new licensing agreements with Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears that expand the bank's popular My Expression NASCAR Banking program. These drivers join their fellow Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon who already participates in the program.

"One of the great things about our sport is that we can interact so closely with fans, but rarely do we get a chance to be a part of a fun, well-kept secret," Johnson said. "It was cool to see the look on her face. I could tell that Bank of America really helped to make this experience special for their NASCAR Banking customer."

"This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience for me," said Beck, the lucky fan. "It's all so wonderful and I'll remember it forever. I saw some pretty neat stuff today."

As part of the new licensing agreements, Bank of America will create NASCAR-themed banking products, marketing programs and unique customer benefits that feature these very popular Cup drivers.

"Partnering with Hendrick Motorsports and its drivers further demonstrates our commitment to giving race fans the very best access to the sport they love and the drivers they are so passionate about," said Mike Hargrave, Motorsports platform executive at Bank of America. "We are proud to partner with four of the premier racecar drivers in the world who define excellence in their sport the same way that our world-class banking products do."

The special fan meeting with Jimmie Johnson and exclusive behind-the-scenes Hendrick Motorsports garage tour is an example of the bank's enhanced NASCAR RacePoints rewards program, only available to NASCAR Banking customers.

With NASCAR Banking, fans can use their personal check card or credit card to earn points, redeemable for new NASCAR officially licensed merchandise, tickets and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, as well as non-NASCAR rewards such as iPods, outdoor grills, movies, books and more.

Some of this year's newest NASCAR-related rewards include opportunities to:

• Wave the green flag at the Bank of America 500
• Be an honorary pit crew member and experience a Cup Series race from a driver's pit stall
• Test your skills by driving a stock car during your very own stock car fantasy camp
• Experience the thrill of NASCAR with exclusive behind-the-scenes race access
• Earn NASCAR race ticket packages that include qualifying, Nationwide and Cup series races

NASCAR Banking is the only nationwide suite of NASCAR and driver-branded check cards, checks and credit cards that are complemented by a unique rewards program. Since first launching the program in May 2007, tens of thousands of race fans have taken advantage of the products that feature a mix of 16 Cup Series drivers and legends including Earnhardt Jr., Bill Elliott, Dario Franchitti, Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Mears, Paul Menard, Juan Montoya, Reed Sorenson, Martin Truex Jr., Kenny Wallace, Rusty Wallace and the late Dale Earnhardt.

Fans can sign-up for NASCAR Banking at more than 6,000 Bank of America banking centers or online by clicking here. Fans can also sign up and learn about the many product features associated with the program at NASCAR-sanctioned events and racetracks.