BOA renames LMS race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Bank of America 500 will have a new name and a new focus when drivers and fans show up this fall for the Sprint Cup Series race on October 17 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Beginning this year, the only night-time race in the Chase will be called the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.

The name change is part of a strategic marketing effort to bring greater visibility and awareness to Bank of America's popular line of My Expression NASCAR Banking products.

NASCAR Banking is the only nationwide suite of NASCAR and driver-branded personal banking products -- including check cards, checks and credit cards -- specifically designed for race fans. Complemented by the exclusive NASCAR RacePoints rewards program, NASCAR Banking customers can use their personal check card or credit card to earn points, redeemable for NASCAR officially licensed merchandise, race tickets, everyday household goods and electronics and the most exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to drivers and unique at-track experiences available to fans.

Bank of America first introduced NASCAR Banking in 2007, when the company signed-on as the Official Bank of NASCAR. Bank of America has continued to make investments in the product suite, including enhancements to the NASCAR RacePoints catalog and the addition of new drivers like three-time series champion Jimmie Johnson, who joins Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Juan Montoya, Kenny Wallace, retired driver Rusty Wallace and the late Dale Earnhardt among those featured on the check cards and credit cards.

These continued investments have helped Bank of America nearly double the number of NASCAR Banking checking accounts since May 2008, while increasing overall product usage by 32 percent and NASCAR RacePoints redemption by 140 percent for the same year-over-year period.

To celebrate the newly named NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America and to mark the 50th year for Lowe's Motor Speedway, Bank of America is planning a 50-day countdown to the race with new and exclusive NASCAR RacePoints redemption offers. Each day, beginning on Aug. 28, fans can redeem their points for a never-before-offered experience, which may include:

• the opportunity to present the trophy in Victory Lane to the winner of the NASCAR Banking 500;

• a behind-the-scenes viewing of a SPEED show, including the chance to meet the show hosts; and

• autographed, limited edition Lowe's Motor Speedway 50th celebration merchandise.

Additionally, Bank of America continues to support a nationwide promotion that provides fans with the opportunity to acquire two tickets to a Sprint Cup Series race, including the NASCAR Banking 500 only at Bank of America, when they sign up for a NASCAR Banking checking account and apply for a NASCAR Banking credit card.

Fans can learn more or sign-up for NASCAR Banking at more than 6,100 Bank of America banking centers across the country, at www.bankofamerica.com/RacePoints or at NASCAR-sanctioned events and race tracks.