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Crown Royal(R) Awards Purple Heart Recipient Naming Rights to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Richmond International Raceway

Posted on: Friday, 13 February 2009, 13:44 CST

Grand Prize Winner Dedicates Race to All Who Serve Our Country

DAYTONA, Fla., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- An elaborate ceremony today at Daytona International Speedway(R) revealed Russell Friedman, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, as the grand-prize winner of the third annual Crown Royal(R) Presents the "Your Name Here" 400 contest. When Friedman accepted the prize - naming rights to the May 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway - he spoke of how his efforts could not be recognized alone and that it was important to honor all the individuals who serve our country.

Friedman lives in Huntington Station, NY, and was chosen from a group of seven finalists from around the country based on a submission that detailed his experience serving in Iraq. The race at Richmond International Raceway on May 2, 2009 will now be titled "Crown Royal Presents the Russell Friedman 400."

"Winning the Crown Royal 'Your Name Here' 400 contest is absolutely amazing and truly an overwhelming experience," said Friedman. "Not only do I get to live out one of my dreams, but I get a chance to help recognize all the American soldiers who defend our freedoms on a day-to-day basis and definitely deserve a toast with Crown Royal."

Throughout the contest, finalists submitted online or video entries describing an honorable act or achievement worthy of toasting with Crown Royal Canadian whisky. Nearly 5,000 entries were received, detailing a myriad of achievements from the heroics of firefighters to dedicated fathers going the extra mile.

"Crown Royal is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our consumers and race fans by honoring them with a sports experience fit for a king," said Ami-Lynn Bakshi, vice president, Crown Royal. "We're looking forward to helping Russell share his moment in the spotlight with all the individuals who selflessly serve this country. The Russell Friedman 400 will be an event for all to remember."

The ceremony to unveil Friedman as the winner included a 20-foot replica Crown Royal bottle featuring his name as part of the Richmond race logo and was draped with an oversized iconic purple bag for two days leading up to the announcement. A countdown clock ticked away while seven finalists waited with great anticipation as NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray and representatives from Crown Royal and Richmond International Raceway pulled down the bag to reveal the grand-prize winner's name.

The Russell Friedman 400 will be incorporated into all official race logos, used for thousands of pieces of merchandise and recognized by NASCAR's broadcast and media partners as the race's official title. In addition, Friedman will take part in pre-race festivities at Richmond International Raceway, and participate in the trophy presentation to the race winner in Gatorade Victory Lane. During the race weekend he will receive VIP accommodations for himself and a guest.

Leading up to the big day in Richmond, Crown Royal will continue to remind fans to "Be A Champion. Drink Responsibly." through Safe Rides Home designated driver initiatives and other programming designed to reinforce the importance of drinking responsibly.

"On behalf of Richmond International Raceway, congratulations to Russell and a sincere thank you to him and all the members of our nation's armed forces to whom this race is dedicated," said Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz. "The partnership with Crown Royal and the 'Your Name Here' contest has been a huge success, and Russell is sure to be another great winner. We look forward to continuing this great tradition by having Russell join us for an exciting weekend at America's Premier Short Track."

About Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For the fourth consecutive year, the Crown Royal company is the primary sponsor of the No. 26 Roush Fenway Ford Fusion driven by Jamie McMurray. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com.

It's about quality, not quantity.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway, known as America's Premier Short Track, offers great night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events, two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series and an open-wheel racing weekend featuring the IndyCar Series, under the lights on a 3/4-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout traditionally produces exciting side-by-side racing, yet drivers reach high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what "Racing Perfection" truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing operates 13 full-time motorsports teams, five in NASCAR Sprint Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun, Kvapil, Bobby East and John Wes Townley; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

Contacts: Nicole Anastasi Erica J. Johnson Aimee Turner Taylor PR Diageo Richmond International Raceway 704.796.9992 646.223.2038 804.228.7645 NAnastasi@taylorpr.com Erica.Johnson@diageo.com aturner@rir.com

SOURCE Diageo

Source: PR Newswire

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