|
|
(NAPSI)-Paul Mullins of Saint Albans, W. Va., has been driving for more than 35 years, including more than one million miles as a United States postal worker. But the ride of his life barely hit 10 mph and traveled just a mile and a half.
Mullins was driving a Chevy pickup truck carrying NASCAR star Rusty Wallace and the #2 Penske Racing team around Lowe's Motor Speedway during prerace introductions for the NEXTEL All Star Challenge.
Like other Official Members of NASCAR, Mullins was an ordinary fan in an extraordinary place because he received the unprecedented access that NASCAR is offering its fans through the Official NASCAR Members Club. Other members also have taken advantage of special access experiences, including Philadelphia's Dennis Samuels, who waved the green flag over the MBNA 200 starting field, and Fresno's Jeff Davis who mingled with drivers on pit road during qualifying for the Auto Club 500.
Even for club members, these are rare experiences. But only the Official NASCAR Members Club offers select race fans such exclusive opportunities, plus a full roster of perks for all members.
Local chapters provide the pulse of this newly formed membership organization. Chapter presidents help bring members together in their communities to enjoy race viewing parties, run local NASCAR charity events and organize trips to races. Mullins' West Virginia chapter is using a local stadium's video board to broadcast races to its members.
The club is designed to offer NASCAR fans the best way to get together and share their passion for the sport-and their favorite drivers.
"The whole point of the Official NASCAR Members Club is to bring the fan closer to the sport. With local chapters, we provide those fans with a new outlet," explains NASCAR Vice President of Licensing Mark Dyer. "It brings NASCAR to their hometowns."
While at the track, members also find several exclusive experiences. In one of its frequent e-mail newsletters, NASCAR unveiled its "Club House," a members-only motor home that travels to race events and offers food, music and door prizes.
The Official NASCAR Members Club is offering charter memberships through its Web site (nascar.com/members_club) and via phone (877-MY-NASCAR) through Dec. 31. Members receive opportunities for special discounts on merchandise and travel packages and are "first in line" for driver meet and greets, forums, parties and more.