News

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 23, 2008) – The smiles on the faces of the people walking through Penske Racing’s massive, state-of-the-art headquarters told the story on Friday as fans enjoyed all the fun and festivities of the Penske Racing 2008 Fan Fest.

Fans from all over the U.S., and even as far away as Canada, attended the event and some even camped out overnight at Penske Racing so they could get an early start to the festivities. From the moment the facility opened its doors first thing in the morning a steady stream of Penske Racing fans turned out to tour the home of the organization’s NASCAR, IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series teams. Fans also got a chance to meet and get autographs from the three Penske Racing NASCAR Cup Series drivers Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch and Sam Hornish Jr., as well as check out the high-tech race cars driven by the Penske pilots and get their photos taken with some of the impressive trophies won by the team’s drivers over the years.

“It was great to spend the day interacting with the fans at the Penske Racing Fan Fest,” said Hornish Jr., driver of the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge. “I really appreciate their support and enthusiasm for our Mobil 1 team. I always enjoy having the chance to speak one-on-one with the fans and see the items they have collected over the years. In a sport that can get pretty hectic, it’s nice to slow down and connect with the fans. It helps you remember how much it means to them each time you go out on the track.”

Sirius Satellite Radio was also on hand broadcasting live from the Fan Fest as they conducted live interviews on site with Newman, Busch and Hornish Jr., as well as each driver’s crew chief – Roy McCauley of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge, Pat Tryson of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge and Chris Carrier of the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge – along with Michael Nelson, Vice President of Operations for Penske Racing South. Team owner Roger Penske and IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves also called in from Carb Day at the Indianapolis 500 to help celebrate Fan Fest with Sirius Satellite Radio.

“NASCAR fans are the most loyal and best fans around. It was great to see so many people at Penske Racing today,” said Newman, driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge, who will compete at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend along with Busch and Hornish Jr. in the Coca-Cola 600. “I recognized a lot of faces. The fans always thank me as they come through the line, and I always tell them ‘I wouldn’t be here, if you weren’t here.’ And there is no truer statement than that. The dedicated fans of this sport allow me to live my dream everyday. We had a lot of fun, and I just want to thank them for coming out and supporting the team. I hope that we can give them something to cheer about in the Alltel Dodge this weekend.”

Penske Racing partners Dodge, Alltel, Miller Lite and Mobil 1 all provided giveaways to the fans in attendance and there were also special discounts available at the Penske Racing gift shop. Racing games were available to play throughout the day as well.

Penske Racing thanks the loyal fans who enjoyed Fan Fest 2008 and plans are already underway to enhance the celebration in 2009.