Best Western's Second Annual "Fan Swap" Gives Fans the Chance to Swap Jobs With Driver Michael Waltrip

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - August 13, 2009) - As the Official Hotel of NASCAR®, Best Western has teamed up with Michael Waltrip Racing to make one lucky race fan's dream come true when they win a trip to Cornelius, N.C., to "swap" jobs for a day with two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip and then travel with his race team to the races in Richmond, Va.

Fans who visit the Best Western "Fan Swap" auction August 14 through August 24, will have the opportunity to bid on the Fan Swap prize which includes travel to Raceworld USA in Cornelius, where they will work as Michael Waltrip does for one day. After their stint at Raceworld USA, the winner and a guest will travel with the Michael Waltrip Race Team to experience the races with VIP treatment in Richmond, September 11-13.

As an added bonus, Waltrip will travel to the winning bidder's hometown and work as they would for an afternoon, meeting with their friends and family and interacting with co-workers and colleagues. Proceeds from the "Fan Swap" auction will benefit World Vision, Best Western's official charity partner, dedicated to alleviating the causes of poverty and injustice among children and families around the world.

The "Fan Swap" auction begins Friday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT and will end at 2:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT on August 24. Fans should visit www.auctionjam.com/fanswap to review the auction's official rules and regulations.

"NASCAR fans who have ever dreamed about overseeing their own race team now have the opportunity to do so -- at least for one day, with our second annual Fan Swap promotion," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "Last year we gave the winning bidder a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Michael Waltrip's shoes, and this year we are also offering a chance to travel with the Michael Waltrip Racing team to the races in Richmond. Once again, thanks to our partnership with World Vision, all proceeds from this unique promotion will make a difference for children in need."

All proceeds from the "Fan Swap" auction will benefit World Vision, Best Western's charity of choice. Proceeds will purchase backpacks and school supplies through the charity's SchoolTools program. Best Western's owners and staff will pack the backpacks during their annual convention this fall, and distribute to children in need throughout the United States.

The complete "Fan Swap" package also includes:

-- Roundtrip airfare to Charlotte, lodging and local transportation for two -- VIP experience at Raceworld USA, the headquarters of Michael Waltrip Racing -- Lunch with Waltrip and possibly David Reutimann -- Official Michael Waltrip racing gear -- The winner and guest will travel with the Michael Waltrip Racing team to Richmond, Va where they will be awarded accommodations and tickets to both of the weekend's races -- The winner and guest will also receive airfare home from Richmond -- At a later date, Michael Waltrip will visit the winner's hometown and work as they would for a day as well

"NASCAR fans are some of the most loyal fans in all of sports but unfortunately that doesn't mean they'll be able to keep up with my hectic schedule as a full-time driver and team owner," Waltrip said. "Get ready for an experience of a lifetime as Best Western and Michael Waltrip Racing prepare to launch the second annual Fan Swap charity auction!"

For official rules and to register, please visit www.auctionjam.com/fanswap.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Best Western's diverse property portfolio, its greatest strength, stems from a business model designed to give owners maximum flexibility to address market-specific needs. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, as our hotels and staff sponsor children in need around the globe. Since 2004, Best Western has served as the Official Hotel of NASCAR®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.