CONCORD, N.C. (July 22, 2008) - Building on Benjamin Franklin's simple concept of, "a penny saved is a penny earned," Lowe's Motor Speedway has developed a multi-faceted program to lower the cost of attending a NASCAR race despite rising fuel costs during these difficult economic conditions. Working with area hotel operators, its souvenir and concession vendors and corporate sponsors, Lowe's Motor Speedway has reduced the overall cost for fans to attend the Bank of America 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, Oct. 11. "Consumers are constantly faced with very difficult economic decisions and we've worked hard to make attending our race a more affordable entertainment opportunity. It should be about fun, not finances," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "We've been able to make this a group effort. Not only have we put together a ticket package that will save race fans 30 percent, they will also enjoy reduced prices on hotel rooms, concession items and souvenirs." In an unprecedented move for a NASCAR race market, 35 hotels located within approximately 30 miles of Lowe's Motor Speedway have agreed to reduce their nightly race week room rates by 15 percent and waive their minimum stay requirements. "Collaborative efforts such as this are the essence of the Charlotte region," said Tim Newman, chief executive officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. "We are proud to represent the hospitality industry in this unique promotion. The hotels understand the importance of NASCAR here in Charlotte, and truly embrace it by giving fans the extra incentive to enjoy the fantastic sport that helps define this region." "Lodging is a major expense for race fans and we greatly appreciate the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority working with its member hotels to roll back prices and eliminate minimum stay requirements," said Smith. "The CRVA is truly setting an example for other NASCAR markets around the country." In conjunction with Circle K and Coca-Cola, Lowe's Motor Speedway has introduced the Circle K Family Four-Pack for just $159. The unique race-day experience includes four reserved Diamond Tower seats for the Oct. 11 Bank of America 500 along with four hot dogs and four 20-ounce Coca-Colas. The $159 price represents a savings of 30 percent if the same tickets and concession items were purchased separately. In addition, each person purchasing the Family Four-Pack will receive a coupon for a free 12-pack of Coke Zero that may be redeemed at a participating Circle K store. The savings will continue when fans arrive at the speedway for the Bank of America 500, round five of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. A special souvenir package, featuring a Lowe's Motor Speedway T-shirt and hat that would normally sell for $48, will be available for just $20. At concession stands, fans will find four new combination packages reflecting 10 to 25 percent savings on their favorite items. Race fans are reminded that Lowe's Motor Speedway offers 160 acres of free parking and numerous affordable camping options are also available. Coolers, limited to 14 inches in any direction, are also permitted in the grandstands. Bank of America 500 Week also includes the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, Oct. 10; Bojangles' Pole Night qualifying on Thursday night, Oct. 9; and the Vienna Sausage Southern Showdown World of Outlaws Late Model Series race on Wednesday night, Oct. 8, at The Dirt Track. To take advantage of these savings, fans should call the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

The following Charlotte area hotels have reduced nightly room rates by 15 percent and waived minimum stay requirements for the Bank of America 500 Week races at Lowe's Motor Speedway. In order to obtain the discounted rate, race fans must request the Speedway Special when making reservations.

Ballantyne Resort (704) 248-4000 10000 Ballantyne Commons Park Way, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Bed & Bike Inn (704) 463-0768 15750 Matton Grove Church Road, Gold Hill, N.C. 28071

Best Western Airport Charlotte (704) 394-4111 2625 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28214

Charlotte Airport Comfort Suites (704) 971-4400 3425 Mulberry Church Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28208

Charlotte Marriott Center City (704) 333-9000 100 West Trade Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202

Comfort Inn at Carowinds (803) 548-5200 3725 Avenue of the Carolinas, Fort Mill, S.C. 29708

Courtyard by Marriott - Charlotte/Airport (704) 319-9900 2700 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28214

Courtyard by Marriott Arrowood (704) 527-5055 800 Arrowood Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28217

Courtyard by Marriott Ballantyne (704) 341-0041 15660 John J. Delaney Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Courtyard by Marriott Gastonia (704) 852-4411 1856 Remount Road, Gastonia, N.C. 28054

Courtyard by Marriott Matthews (704) 846-4466 11425 East Independence Boulevard, Matthews, N.C. 28105

Courtyard by Marriott Southpark (704) 552-7333 6023 Park South Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28210

Doubletree Hotel Charlotte Gateway Village (704) 347-0070 895 West Trade Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202

Duke Mansion (704) 714-4400 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28207

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Gastonia (704) 867-5073 1860 Remount Road, Gastonia, N.C. 28054

Hampton Inn - Monroe (704) 220-2200 2368 Roland Drive, Monroe, N.C. 28110

Hampton Inn & Suites SouthPark at Phillips Place (704) 319-5700 6700 Phillips Place Court, Charlotte, N.C. 28210

Hampton Inn University Place (704) 548-0905 8419 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28262

Hilton Center City (704) 377-1500 222 East 3rd Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202

Hilton Charlotte Executive Park (704) 527-8000 5624 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28217

Hilton Garden Inn Ayrsley (704) 499-9493 1920 Ayrsley Town Boulevard, Charlotte, N.C. 28273

Hilton Garden Inn Pineville (704) 889-3279 425 Towne Centre Boulevard, Pineville, N.C. 28134

Holiday Inn Airport (704) 394-4301 2707 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28214

Holiday Inn University Executive Park (704) 547-0999 8520 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, N.C. 28262

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Charlotte Airport (704) 525-2600 4920 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28217

Microtel Airport (704) 398-9601 3412 Queen City Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28208

Morehead Inn (704) 376-3357 1122 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28204

Ramada Airport South and Conference Center (704) 525-8350 212 West Woodlawn Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28217

Residence Inn by Marriott University (704) 547-1122 8503 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28262

Sleep Inn Lake Norman (704) 766-2500 16508 Northcross Drive, Huntersville, N.C. 28078

SpringHill Suite by Marriott - Charlotte/Airport (704) 405-6061 3055 Scott Futrell Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28208

Staybridge Suites Ballantyne (704) 248-5000 15735 John J. Delaney Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Staybridge Suites Charlotte Arrowood (704) 527-6767 7924 Forest Pine Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28273

VanLandingham Estate (704) 334-8909 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C. 28205

Wingate Inn Charlotte South (704) 523-3366 6057 Nations Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28217