Michigan Cameraman Speeds to Victory in AAA Race Simulation at Chicago Auto Show

Michigan Cameraman Speeds to Victory in AAA Race Simulation at Chicago Auto Show

AURORA, Ill., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Jerry Tarrien, a cameraman for WXYZ- TV 7 in Detroit, Mich., outmaneuvered representatives from more than 100 news media organizations Thursday (February 9) in a simulated NASCAR race sponsored by AAA during the 2006 Chicago Auto Show.

Tarrien posted a 207.225 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. AAA will sponsor the #6 AAA Ford Fusion, driven by Mark Martin, in NASCAR's Nextel Cup series this year.

Winner of second place in the charity event was Ira Siegel, automotive columnist for the Daily Southtown in Alsip, Ill. He navigated the course with an average speed of 205.489 mph. Coming in third was Charlie Dowell, production director for WMKB Radio of Mendota, Ill.

In addition to presenting certificates to the race participants, AAA provided cash donations to the favorite charities of each of the winners. Tarrien, who earned $2,500 for his virtual victory, will contribute his prize money to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Siegel selected Moraine Valley Community College to receive his second-place winner's purse of $1,500 and Dowell chose the Elburn Lions Club as the recipient of his $1,000 purse.

"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," said Charles H. Podowski, president and CEO of The Auto Club Group (ACG), which represents AAA Michigan and other AAA-affiliated Clubs throughout the Midwest. "The sponsorship ties very nicely into AAA's century- long commitment to supporting continued improvement in vehicle safety."

"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," Podowski 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."

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security for all travelers.

Source: AAA Chicago

CONTACT: Kris Lathan, +1-630-328-7235, or Nicole Niemi, +1-630-328-7237,
both of AAA Chicago; or Nancy Cain of AAA Michigan, +1-313-268-4038

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

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