Race fans to clean up with new sweepstake?

One lucky race fan has a chance to clean up - literally and financially - via the Be A Clean Winner Sweepstakes presented by Firestone, Purex and the Indy Racing League.

The grand prize winner in the sweepstakes takes home a nicely equipped 2004 Chevy Tahoe LS, valued at $35,000, with the opportunity to win $100,000 if Robbie Buhl or his designated driver in #24 Dreyer & Reinbold car wins the IRL IndyCar Series season finale at Texas Motor Speedway on 12 October. The grand prize winner, selected by random drawing, will travel with a guest to Texas for the last race of the year as part of a package that includes air travel, three days and two nights lodging, grandstand tickets, pit passes and $200 spending money.

"We are extremely proud to be the exclusive tyre supplier for the Indy Racing League and to partner the series and Dreyer & Reinbold team sponsor Purex in this promotion," said Phil Pacsi, executive director of Bridgestone/Firestone North American consumer brand marketing, "The sweepstakes draws attention to our contribution to IRL competition and emphasises the quality of Firehawk tyres. We believe it will also increase the IRL fan base in many key markets."

To promote the contest, life-size photo stand-ups of Buhl will be displayed in approximately 750 outlets selling Purex laundry detergent in IRL race markets and in approximately 2,000 participating Firestone retail locations nationwide. At IRL races, special events and participating Firestone locations during the promotion, Firehawk discount coupons will be distributed, permitting fans to purchase any Firestone Firehawk street tyre with UNI-T?, including the new Firehawk Indy 500 tyre, for ten per cent off everyday retail price. Race fans also may pick up an IRL poster at participating Firestone outlets while supplies last.

"The Indy Racing League IndyCar Series offers fans wheel-to-wheel excitement on the track and in the marketplace," explained Ken Ungar, the series' senior vice-president, "and the Be A Clean Winner Sweepstakes is another great example of how sponsors like Firestone and Purex show their appreciation for our fans' support by bringing the fun of the IndyCar Series directly to consumers nationwide."

"Purex has thoroughly enjoyed its relationship with Robbie Buhl and the Indy Racing League, and this sweepstakes allows us to have even more involvement," commented Todd Gatzulis, director of laundry care marketing at the Dial Corporation, "We believe the season-ending IRL race at Texas - which is always action-packed - will be even more exciting this year with $100,000 on the line for one lucky fan. And we're confident the sweepstakes will attract new fans to see the Purex car go tyre-to-tyre at IRL events all season long."

Buhl is no stranger to success in the IndyCar Series. He has won two races, in 1997 at Loudon and, in 2000, at Orlando. He also started the 2002 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race in the middle of the front row. He has qualified on the front row twice at Texas and once at Pikes Peak International Raceway and, before competing in the IRL, drove in the Firestone Indy Lights series, where he collected 27 top-three finishes in 50 races - a series record - and won the season championship in 1992. He has driven in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, earning a GTS victory in 1993 and a third-place finish in 1998, driving in the GT1 class.

Buhl is also the national spokesperson for Racing For Kids, a national charity that draws attention to children's health care issues, and owns two new car dealerships in Indiana. His 2003 autograph cards will have information about the sweepstakes.

"It's going to be a little strange walking into a grocery store and finding a life-size image of myself staring back at me," he admitted, "But I'm glad to work with Purex, Firestone and the IRL on this great sweepstakes for fans. I respect all three organisations very much, and am proud to work with them in attracting new followers to the IRL.

"We do some great racing, and this sweepstakes is just another part of the unique excitement and fun. This season is going to be one of the best ever, and I plan to be in victory circle at Texas this October."

The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of at least 18 years of age, in the 48 contiguous United States. Contestants may enter online at www.firestonetire.com, www.purex.com or www.indyracing.com, or by submitting name, address and phone number on a 3x5" card, mailed in an envelope, to: Purex Clean Winner Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 14681, Dept. PX0113, Mascoutah, IL 62224. Entries must be received by 11:59pm (EDT) on 21 September 2003, the ending date of the sweepstakes. Complete contest rules are available online or by writing the above address. No purchase is necessary.