BUSCH: Phoenix get 'Zoomfest'

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2001--76/Circle K Zoomfest will get the Checker Auto Parts 500 race weekend off to a roaring start. Presented in conjunction with Phoenix International Raceway, Zoomfest promises to be bigger and better in its third year. This racing-themed street festival offers music, food and fun for everyone and is the perfect way for diehard race fans and those who are new to NASCAR to gear up for the big race. 76/Circle K Zoomfest will take place on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001, from 4-10 p.m. at The Arizona Center located at Third Street and Van Buren in Downtown Phoenix. Admission is free. From 4-7 p.m., race fans will have a chance to experience the feeling of getting behind the wheel and thundering down the straightaway at virtual speeds approaching 200 m.p.h., at the Coca-Cola Wall of Speed, a state-of-the art racing simulator. NASCAR Winston Cup drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., winner of the Busch Series in both 1998 and 1999, and Tony Stewart, 1999 Rookie of the Year, are tentatively scheduled to appear at the Coca-Cola Wall of Speed for a special Q&A session from 7-9 p.m. There will also be an autograph session in special designated areas with drivers from the NASCAR, Craftsman Truck, Busch and Winston Cup series from 6:30-8:30 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., legendary multi-platinum rock group Molly Hatchet is slated to headline on the Budweiser Main Stage performing songs from their 14-album, 23-year career. Local Valley favorite Mogollon will also perform from 6-8 p.m. This year, Circle K and 76 are bringing back the popular 76 Antenna Ball Pit Challenge. With a 7.6 second dive into 20,000 76 antenna balls, attendees could win "Free Gas for a Year" from 76, free Circle K "Freshest Coffee Going" coffee or a free Circle K Thirstbuster(TM). For kids, there's a new attraction called Circle K Land that will feature a Hawaiian show by Tia's Royal Islanders. Kids can also get their faces painted, scale an inflatable mountain and marvel at magician Craig Davis and other street performers. NASCAR fans will also have a chance to take home their very own piece of racing memorabilia. UCP, Circle K's national charity that provides services to individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, will hold a live auction from 7:15-8 p.m. The auction will include NASCAR-related items such as: an official 76 race flag autographed by Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bill Elliott, Robby Gordon, Sterling Marlin, and other drivers, an autographed framed set of photos of Jeff Gordon, and Budweiser racing jackets autographed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Throughout the event, attendees can watch NASCAR highlights on the Cricket Jumbotron and Zoomfest will conclude with a fireworks extravaganza sponsored by MCI Prepaid Long Distance scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. More information on the event and drivers scheduled to appear can be found at www.circlek.com and www.76.com.