Web Reporter Speeds to Victory in AAA Race Simulation at Chicago Auto Show

Web Reporter Speeds to Victory in AAA Race Simulation at Chicago Auto Show

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryan Goemans of Various Velocities Group in Green Bay, Wis., outmaneuvered representatives from more than 100 news media organizations today in a simulated NASCAR race sponsored by The Auto Club Group (ACG) during the Chicago Auto Show's news media preview days.

Goemans posted a 201.877 mph average speed in the racecar simulator, which is powered by a computer program representative of the tracks on which the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series is run.

ACG will sponsor the AAA Car No. 99 Ford Taurus, driven by Carl Edwards, in NASCAR's 38-race Nextel Cup series this spring, summer and fall. ACG is comprised of AAA Chicago, AAA Michigan, AAA Minnesota/Iowa, AAA Nebraska, AAA North Dakota and AAA Wisconsin. The six clubs form the largest AAA affiliate group in the Midwest, serving more than 4.1 million members in eight states.

"We thought the Chicago Auto Show would be an excellent venue to provide news media people a virtual experience of running on a NASCAR track at speeds of 175 mph and faster," said Steven JN. Bernth, president/COO of AAA Chicago.

Journalists entered in the AAA competition were divided into four categories: Print, Television, Radio and Web. After basic instruction on how to drive the two-seat simulator, the journalists raced in pairs.

Goemans' speed was best in the Web category as well as the best overall.

Winner in the Print category, and second overall, was Ira Siegel of the Daily Southtown in Chicago. He navigated the course in an average speed of 195.34 mph.

Vic Drescher of WRZA Nine FM in Chicago had the best time in the Radio category, recording an average speed of 193.255 mph.

Tops in the Television category was the 169.163 mph average turned in by Charlie Wojciechowski of WMAQ-NBC TV 5 in Chicago.

In addition to presenting certificates to the race participants, The Auto Club Group will contribute cash to the favorite charities of each of the four winners. Goemans, who won $1,000 for his Web victory and another $1,000 for finishing first overall, will contribute his prize money to the Brett Favre Foundation. Each of the other category winners will get $1,000 to contribute to their favorite charity.

"Sponsorship of a car and driver on the hugely popular NASCAR racing circuit will help raise AAA's profile with the many fans of this major spectator sport. The sponsorship ties very nicely into AAA's century-long commitment to supporting continued improvement in vehicle safety," said Bernth.

"Many of the safety features we take for granted on today's passenger vehicles, such as lap-and-shoulder safety belts and hydraulic brakes, were introduced and perfected in racecars," Bernth added. "NASCAR races will continue to be the proving ground for new safety equipment, and the AAA clubs that comprise The Auto Club Group are pleased and proud to help support that progress."


Source: The Auto Club Group

CONTACT: Nancy Cain, +1-313-268-4038, or Michael Bie, +1-608-335-5018,
or Nicole Niemi, +1-630-328-7237, all for The Auto Club Group

Web site: http://www.aaamich.com/


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