MBN, Monte Bubbles Network

May 17, 2006

Seattle 2, Oakland 7 at McAfee Coliseum
Seattle Record: (17-24)
Oakland Record: (20-19)

Winning pitcher - Barry Zito (3-3)
Losing pitcher - Jamie Moyer (1-4)

Today Lance Armstrong and 100 cancer survivors from all 50 states are in Washington D.C. to represent the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and cancer survivors everywhere in meetings with their Congressional representatives. Advocates are demanding that their legislators invest in resources, treatment and services for everyone battling cancer.

"In the past 30 years we have learned how to detect, prevent and treat many types of cancer," said Lance Armstrong. "But we're still not doing enough. Today we're asking Congress to invest in our health and our future. We need an additional $360 million next year to support the kinds of cancer programs and institutions that save lives."

Thirty years ago a cancer diagnosis was often a death sentence. Today the national investment in cancer research has reaped remarkable returns, including potential cancer vaccines, improved detection technologies and targeted, less invasive therapies.

Despite this progress, cancer still strikes one in two men and one in three women in the U.S. Today the LAF, Lance Armstrong and cancer advocates are asking Congress to make cancer a national priority and to continue to invest in institutions and programs that save lives, for example:

* National Cancer Institute programs that result in early diagnosis and

treatment -- programs like one in New York that increased colon cancer

screenings among low-income women by nearly 25 percent.

* Center for Disease Control programs that target the cancer prevention,

detection and treatment needs of each local community.

* Early detection programs for breast and cervical cancer to serve an

additional 130,000 women.

The LAF advocates also will encourage legislators to support the CDC's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to reduce cancer suffering and death from cancer through prevention, early detection and treatment, as well as the National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center, which helps people with cancer address the physical, emotional and practical challenges of their survivorship experience.

In addition to the LAF's efforts in Washington, D.C., approximately 100 LIVESTRONG Day events will be held in communities across the country to support the more than 10 million Americans living with cancer.

For more information about LIVESTRONG Day, visit http://www.livestrong.org/ .

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. We help people with cancer focus on living; we believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.livestrong.org/ .

Source: Lance Armstrong Foundation

Web site: http://www.livestrong.org/

Special Olympics global headquarters announced today that Idaho (USA) will be the host site for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, after a decision was made by the International Special Olympics Board of Directors at their meeting on May 16. Similar in size to a Winter Olympics, the 2009 World Winter Games will attract more than 2,000 athletes from 100 nations to compete in seven Olympic-type sports. Other finalist sites were: Reno-Tahoe (Nevada, USA); Schladming-Graz (Austria) and Garmisch Partenkirchen (Germany).

Following in the footsteps of Nagano, Japan, the host of the 2005 World Winter Games and joining Shanghai, China, the host of the upcoming 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, this event will be the largest multi- sport event ever held in the state of Idaho. Possible sports venues include Tamarack Resort, Bogus Basin, Taco Bell Arena, Qwest Arena, Idaho Ice World, Boise Centre on the Grove and Boise State University

"After review of a comprehensive bid proposal and a visit by the Special Olympics World Games site selection committee, it was proven that Idaho provides excellent sports venues, incredible community support and unprecedented passion for the athletes of our movement," said Jimmy Carnes, Special Olympics Board Member and Chair of the World Games Site Selection Committee.

"Special Olympics World Winter Games provide a global stage for our athletes to showcase their talents and we invite the world to join our world of welcome -- a world of inclusion and mutual respect, without bias or prejudice," added Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics Board.

The 2009 World Games bid was prepared by Jim and Pirie Grossman of Destiny Productions and endorsed by many including: Senator Larry Craig, Senator Michael D. Crapo, Representative C.L. "Butch" Otter, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Boise Mayor David Bieter and Special Olympics Idaho. The honorary Board of Directors includes celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, Picabo Street, Teresa Heinz Kerry and John Kerry, and Bobby Farrelly.

"This is a magical opportunity for the people of Idaho to show the world what we can do," said Pirie Grossman. "We are honored to have been selected and can't wait to get down to the business at hand."

In addition to world-class competition in Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoe racing and speed skating, the 2009 World Winter Games will also provide a venue for global discussions and action on the impact Special Olympics can make on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. More than 190 million people worldwide have an intellectual disability, making it the largest disability group worldwide. Intellectual disability crosses racial, ethnic, educational, social and economic lines, and can occur in any family.

Every two years, thousands of Special Olympics athletes worldwide come together to showcase their athletic skills and celebrate the spirit of Special Olympics. The first Special Olympics World Games took place in 1968 and, since then, has evolved into a world-class sporting event, attracting a wide range of sponsors, supporters and media. Alternating between Summer Games and Winter Games, World Games bring public attention to the talents and capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities, helping to change attitudes and break down barriers that excluded them from the mainstream of the community.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 2.25 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics at

Web site: http://www.specialolympics.org/

Members can now manage all their sports and activities on Sportsvite's free Web service; From league teams to pick-up: know who's in and who's out, recruit players and track results

For millions of Americans who love playing sports, but hate the difficulties of setting up games, the new Sportsvite Web service (www.sportsvite.com) is the best way to spend less time planning and more time playing.

The free service, which has already helped thousands of sports enthusiasts across the country organize their team games, now lets members organize and connect with other players for any kind of sport or recreational activity. From shooting hoops and skiing the slopes to playing poker or practicing yoga, anything that requires some athletic skill or competitive spirit is easy to arrange using Sportsvite.

"Sports are a passion for many of us, as fans and players, and we want to make it easy for people to share this with one another," said Sportsvite Co-Founder and President Vinodh Bhat. "While we aim to help league and team organizers stop wasting time on back-and-forth emails and phone chains for their games, the larger purpose is to build strong community among athletes in the local areas they play in."

GETTING ORGANIZED.

The service makes the entire set-up experience -- team, games, players and locations -- a snap so organizers can concentrate on game time. Team captains and game organizers can now plug in an entire season schedule and set automatic reminders for game date, time and location. They know who's in and who's out for games by tracking players' responses, and can set up practices, scope out competition, discuss strategy on team message boards, assign positions, and upload pictures and video.

After the game, Sportsvite also provides a convenient central location for tracking results and team records.

"Sportsvite is a better way to handle the set-up process for my soccer team and saves me time getting everything ready before we get to the field," said Justin Eskesen, a member in Boston.

Friends, family or co-workers can use the service to start their own team, organize their reunion softball game or manage a company golf outing. With Nielsen NetRatings estimating that 11 million Americans don't play sports because it's too hard to organize games, Sportsvite can get a lot of people off of the couch and onto the field.

FINDING PLAYERS.

Sportsvite makes it easy to find other local players with the right athletic skills and attitude -- whether that's a group of laid-back lightweights or a ringer to help win games. Members can search by zip code for players in their chosen sport by athletic profile and availability, so team captains, game organizers and even sports facilities can use Sportsvite's member pool to recruit free agents.

"Sportsvite has put me in touch with more players than any other sports site on the web," said Tom Gibson, a league director who operates 32 men's softball teams in San Diego. "And our teams can now manage their schedules much more easily."

SPORTSVITE STATS.

Sportsvite's more than 10,000 registered members are in all parts of the country. For an online media kit including Sportsvite stats visit www.sportsvite.com/pressbox. To get the inside track on Sportsvite, please contact Keith Emmer.

Sportsvite (www.sportsvite.com) is the premier Web service for organizing active sports and connecting with other players for league teams, pick-up games, and sports/activity groups. Sportsvite is and always will be a free service for our members.

Partnership to Run Through 2008 AVP Crocs Tour Season

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AVP, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AVPI) , a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on professional beach volleyball, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, makers of the Paul Mitchell line of hair care products, announced today a multi-year sponsorship extension making John Paul Mitchell Systems the official hair care product of the AVP Crocs Tour through the 2008 season. AVP's national touring series features more than 150 of the nation's top male and female professional beach volleyball players.

John Paul Mitchell Systems, a long-time partner of the AVP, has been a sponsor of the AVP Tour since 1999. The Santa Clarita, CA-based company, which brings its passion for style and performance to the world of sports, is a perfect match for the AVP whose players are strong, stylish and world-class athletes.

"We are proud to announce our sponsorship extension with John Paul Mitchell Systems, one of AVP's longtime and premier partners," said Leonard Armato, CEO and commissioner of AVP. "We see this new agreement as a great sign of the confidence that John Paul Mitchell Systems has in the AVP platform and the sport of beach volleyball. This season marks the eighth year that AVP and John Paul Mitchell Systems have been working together, and we look forward to growing our partnership, and our brands, this year and beyond."

"We're delighted to announce our expanded relationship with the AVP," said Julie Solwold, vice president, Sports Marketing, John Paul Mitchell Systems. "Through our many years together, Paul Mitchell continues to recognize that the AVP is not just an outstanding professional tour, but one that is a valuable platform to personally connect with our consumers and the growing and loyal AVP fan base, on both a local and national level."

As part of the agreement, John Paul Mitchell Systems will be included in all 16 events during the 2006 season with prominent stadium and outer-court signage and commercial units during AVP telecasts on both NBC and FOX Sports Net. The brand will continue to have a presence within the sponsor village and maintain rights to AVP images, footage and athletes through the 2008 season.

John Paul Mitchell Systems will also continue to leverage its sponsorship by featuring the program in its quarterly magazine, "Cut & Dry," sent to more than 90,000 distributing salons worldwide.

On site at AVP Crocs Tour events, stylists at the Paul Mitchell booth will continue the company's tradition of giving back to the community by cutting hair for charity. Partnering for the fifth year with 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist and AVP standout Eric Fonoimoana, all proceeds from the cut-a-thons will be donated to Fonoimoana's non-profit organization, "Dig For Kids," an after school mentoring and tutoring program for inner-city youth. A selection of Paul Mitchell products specifically created for the care of "summer beach hair" will be on hand for sampling, with professional consultations available throughout the weekend.

About AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc. is a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on the production, marketing and distribution of professional beach volleyball events worldwide. AVP operates the industry's most prominent volleyball tour in the United States, the AVP Crocs Tour. Featuring more than 200 of the top American men and women competitors in the sport, AVP will hold 16 AVP Crocs Tour events throughout the United States in 2006. In 2004, AVP athletes successfully represented the United States during the Olympics in Athens, Greece, winning gold and bronze medals, the first medals won by U.S. women in professional beach volleyball. For more information, please visit www.avp.com.

About John Paul Mitchell Systems

Over 20 years ago, two friends had a vision -- to found a company by hairdressers for hairdressers -- one that would provide tools of success for hair care professionals, their salons, and the entire beauty industry. It began in 1979, when John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell first decided to launch their professional hair care system around a revolutionary new styling method -- hair sculpting; and a revolutionary new styling product -- hair sculpting lotion. By 1980 they had established a partnership that become known as John Paul Mitchell Systems(R), with a product line named for the stylist of the two partners, Paul Mitchell(R).

Their dream flourished. Today, John Paul Mitchell Systems has annual retail sales exceeding $700 million. The company currently produces over 90 products (including the brands Paul Mitchell, Modern Elixirs(TM), The Tea Tree Collection, and JPMS the color(TM)) that are manufactured within the United States. A professional salon line, Paul Mitchell products are available in approximately 90,000 salons across the U.S., and in over 45 different countries. For more information, please visit the Paul Mitchell website at www.paulmitchell.com.

Three Toyota plants in the U.S. are celebrating milestones, including the 20-year anniversary of the company's first wholly owned U.S. facility -- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK). Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV) are marking 10 years of operations.

The three plants are celebrating over the next several days with local officials and team members in their communities of Georgetown, Ky. (TMMK), Princeton, Ind. (TMMI) and Buffalo, W. Va. (TMMWV). The anniversaries are based on the years that construction began at each facility.

Combined, the three plants employ about 13,000 and represent an investment of $8.8 billion. TMMK builds the Camry, Avalon, Solara, and engines. TMMI builds the Tundra, Sequoia and Sienna. TMMWV produces engines and transmissions for the Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Sienna and Lexus RX350.

The early success of TMMK led not only to TMMI and TMMWV, but to a North American manufacturing base that now includes 12 plants and two more under construction in Texas and Ontario. A Camry assembly line is also being added at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant.

"The success of TMMK's team members and suppliers certainly paved the way for expansion throughout North America over the last 20 years," said Seiichi Sudo, president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA).

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sell more than 2.5 million vehicles a year. Toyota directly employs more than 38,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $16.8 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28 billion.

According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs, including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and suppliers employees.

Toyota produces 10 vehicles in North America, including the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and the Lexus RX350. By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build about 2 million cars and trucks, 1.44 million engines and 600,000 automatic transmissions in North America.

Honda today announced plans to advance toward its "2010 Vision" for North American automobile operations, in conjunction with a wider global strategy announced in Japan today by Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda's North American plan includes the following new corporate initiatives:

* Construction of a new auto plant in the U.S. with an investment of

approximately $400 million to begin production in 2008, with employment

of more than 1,500 associates at full capacity.

* Construction of a new engine plant in Canada to begin production of

four-cylinder engines in 2008 with an investment of $140 million and

employment of 340 associates.

* Expansion of U.S. engine, transmission and powertrain component

production in Ohio and Georgia, with additional investment of

$125 million and additional employment of 80 associates.

* Introduction in the U.S. and Canada in 2009 of a new, more affordable,

dedicated hybrid car.

* Introduction in the U.S. and Canada within the next three years of new

diesel engine technology that meets U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions

standards.

* Establishment of a goal to increase American Honda's Corporate Average

Fuel Economy (CAFE) by five percent over 2005 levels by the year 2010.

"We continue to experience record demand for Honda and Acura vehicles in North America," said Koichi Kondo, COO of Honda's North American region and president & CEO of American Honda. "To meet the needs of our customers and in accordance with our company's vision for the future, we will introduce new fuel efficient vehicles and deepen our commitment to production in North America and we will do this in an environmentally responsible way regarding our products and the operations that produce them."

"2010 Vision" -- Creating New Value for the Customer

Honda's 2010 Vision is a long-term corporate initiative "to become a company that society wants to exist." Initiated in 1998, this three-part 2010 Vision calls for the expansion of Honda's global operations through the year 2010 through "creating new value" for the customer, expanding local operations through "glocalization" and advancing environmental and safety technologies through a "commitment for the future."

"With nine consecutive years of record Honda and Acura auto sales in North America, we will now further strengthen Honda's foundation in North America to meet the future needs of our customers and fulfill the ultimate objective of our 2010 Vision," said Kondo.

"2010 Vision" -- Glocalization (Expansion of North American Production)

Honda will invest approximately $665 million and increase employment by more than 1,900 associates to expand North American automobile, engine and transmission production operations(1), further strengthening its capability to respond flexibly and efficiently to customer demand and changing market conditions, and to create a foundation for future growth. Specific details of the expansion of local production are as follows:

* With an investment of approximately $400 million and employment of more

than 1,500 associates at full capacity, Honda will construct a new auto

plant in the U.S. with an annual capacity of approximately 200,000

vehicles, with production to begin in 2008. The plant -- Honda's sixth

auto plant in North America and 14th production facility in North

America -- will feature Honda's most advanced, efficient and flexible

production technologies and will have the smallest environmental impact

of any Honda automobile plant in North America. Site selection for the

new facility has already entered its final stage. Additional details

of the new facility, including location and product production plans

will be announced at a later date.

* As a result of this expansion, Honda's automobile production capacity

in North America will increase from 1.4 million to 1.6 million units

in 2008.

* In conjunction with increased vehicle production, Honda will also

invest $140 million to expand engine production in North America with

the construction of a new engine plant neighboring the existing Honda

of Canada Mfg. (HCM) operations in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. The

plant will begin production in 2008, with an annual capacity of

approximately 200,000 four-cylinder engines for supply to HCM-built

vehicles. Investment in the facility will total $140 million with new

employment of 340 associates.

Concurrent with the expansion of engine production in North America, Honda will continue to increase local production of powertrain components, including transmissions. Key areas of expansion are as follows:

* Honda of America Mfg. will invest $75 million in the Anna Engine Plant

(AEP) in Anna, Ohio, to increase the number and types of engine parts

it produces in Ohio, including engine components currently supplied by

plants in Japan. This expansion will include the creation of

approximately 40 new jobs and construction of a new building on the

same site as AEP. Production of the new components is targeted to

begin in 2008.

* Beginning in 2008, the Anna Engine Plant will also supply engine

components for the new engine plant in Ontario, Canada, and complete

engines for the new U.S. automobile plant.

* As previously announced, May 12, 2006, further localization activities

will be pursued in the area of transmission production. Honda

Precision Parts of Georgia (HPPG) will further expand its capabilities

by adding casting and machining of transmission cases and other

in-house operations to its current capabilities. HPPG began assembly

of automatic transmissions for the Honda Pilot and Odyssey, May 1, 2006.

This expansion represents a new investment of $50 million and hiring of

40 new associates (to reach $150 million and 440 associates at full

capacity).

* As previously announced, Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America

(HTM) in Russells Point, Ohio, is now completing a $100 million

expansion for production of primary transmission gears. Further, in

July 2006, HTM will begin production of high precision gears.

"2010 Vision" -- Commitment for the Future (Environmental Initiatives)

In conjunction with plans to grow its operations through 2010, Honda will seek to further reduce the environmental footprint of its products and production activities. Honda has long been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and operations through increased fuel efficiency, development of advanced environmental technologies, reduction of harmful emissions and elimination of waste. In accordance with this effort, the company will undertake the following activities:

* On a global basis, Honda will introduce an all-new, more affordable,

dedicated hybrid car to be launched in North America in 2009. This new

hybrid vehicle, to be produced at Honda's Suzuka plant in Japan, will

have an annual North American sales volume target of 100,000 units

(200,000 units worldwide) and a target price significantly lower than

the current Civic Hybrid.

* Based on its highly successful direct injection diesel engine

technology, currently offered in Europe, Honda will introduce in the

U.S. and Canada within three years a new 4-cylinder diesel engine that

meets the U.S. EPA's stringent Tier 2 BIN 5 emissions standards.

* In addition to new vehicle introductions, Honda will seek to achieve

top-level fuel economy for existing models with the aim of improving

Honda's already industry-leading Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)

by five percent in 2010, from its 29.2 mpg 2005 model year CAFE rating

for passenger cars and light trucks. This effort will include new

products and technologies and the previously announced commitment to

introduce within the next two years a more advanced version of Honda's

four-cylinder i-VTEC(TM) technology with up to a 13 percent improvement

in fuel efficiency over 2005 levels, and a more advanced Variable

Cylinder Management(TM) (VCM) technology for six-cylinder engines with

up to an 11 percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the current

VCM system in the Honda Odyssey minivan and Honda Pilot sport utility

vehicle.

Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production operations in 1979. Prior to today's announcement, Honda had invested more than $8.5 billion in its North American operations with 13 major manufacturing plants, employment of more than 33,000 associates and the annual purchase of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. Nearly 8 of 10 Honda and Acura cars and light trucks sold in America are produced in North America.

(1) Honda products are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts

The nation's franchised new car and light truck dealers recorded their third strongest year on record in 2005,selling more than 16.94 million vehicles, up from 16.86 million in 2004,according to NADA DATA, a comprehensive annual analysis compiled by the

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

The complete report appears in the May issue of NADA's AutoExec

magazine. It can also be accessed or downloaded online at

The healthy pace of new vehicle sales in 2005 was driven by generous

incentives, such as cash rebates, as well as the availability of attractive

financing rates, lease options and enhanced dealership services.

According to the NADA DATA report, light trucks outsold cars in 2005

for the fifth consecutive year, 9.3 million to 7.6 million respectively,

but the gap closed somewhat. Light trucks made up 54.8 percent of total new

vehicle sales in 2005, down from 55.5 percent in 2004.

Large domestic sedans and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) continued

to lead the gains in sales last year, growing by 31 percent and 14 percent

respectively. By contrast, small car sales were up by just 0.8 percent for

the year.

NADA Chief Economist Paul Taylor, who has accurately projected annual

sales totals for each of the past three years, projects that overall light

vehicle sales in 2006 will remain healthy, but edge down slightly to a

year- end total of approximately 16.8 million units.

"Strong car sales result from many attractive new products and stout

efforts by the nation's franchised new car dealers," said Dr. Taylor.

"Customer incentives and a rebound in the stock market will help sales in

the second half of 2006. Interest rate increases will slow, and that will

help sustain light vehicle sales. But higher gasoline prices will change

the mix of vehicle selling, which will be led by large sedans and CUVs once

again," he added.

On the used car front, franchised new vehicle dealers sold nearly 20

million units in 2005. Of these, 11.8 million were retailed and 7.9 million

wholesaled. New car dealers acquired 53 percent of their used units from

trade-ins and 47 percent from auctions, street purchases and other sources.

Used light vehicle sales by franchised dealers will see an increase in

2006, due in part to stronger employment gains by households, along with

solid economic growth.

Highlights from NADA DATA include:

* The average retail selling price of a new vehicle increased to $28,400

in 2005, from $28,050 in 2004.

* The average used vehicle transaction price at dealerships rose to

$14,925, from $14,250.

* The average dealership annual payroll was $2.4 million in 2005, up from

2.33 million in 2004.

* The total industry payroll was $51.5 billion, up $1 billion in a year's

period, representing nearly 14 percent of the nation's total retail

trade payroll.

* The number of franchised new vehicle dealerships in the U.S. dropped by

145, to a total of 21,495, from 21,640, reflecting an ongoing moderate

consolidation trend.

* Auctions continue to increase in importance as a source of used cars at

dealerships, from less than 10 percent in the early 1980s to 33 percent

in 2005.

The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based

in McLean, VA, represents approximately 20,000 franchised new car and truck

dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and

international.

Disneyland Resort in California and Indianapolis 500 Drivers Participate in the 'Minnie Indy Charity Race'

Checkered flags will wave, crowds will cheer and engines will roar (both big and small) as two American traditions team up to celebrate special milestones. In honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary and the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500, "The Happiest Place on Earth" and "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" will team up for the "Minnie Indy Charity Race" on Wed., May 24 at 1:30 p.m. (ET) on American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Minnie Mouse herself will be on hand to wave in the likes of Danica Patrick, Dan Wheldon, Eddie Cheever, Jr., Dario Franchitti, Tony Kanaan, Buddy Rice and Jeff Simmons who are among the 31 IndyCar Series drivers who will participate in the whimsical race. They will be driving miniature cars taken directly from one of Disneyland's original opening day attractions -- the ever-popular Autopia. Since July 17, 1955, more than 203 million Disneyland guests have put petal to the metal behind the wheel of these beloved little vehicles.

Instead of racing along the futuristic highways of Disneyland's Tomorrowland, the Autopia cars and their speed-loving IndyCar Series drivers will traverse a comical obstacle race course (at top speeds of 10 mph!) that will take place on a specially designed "Minnie" roadway created on the famous Brickyard. The "Minnie Indy Charity Race" will be led-off by the original winning car of the 1911 Indy 500 in addition to the 2006 Chevrolet Z06 Indy 500 pace car. All drivers will line up in the actual race-day grid -- based on qualifying times -- that are slated for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 scheduled for May 28.

"It will be exciting to see the cars of Disneyland's Autopia racing across the famed Yard of Bricks with the greatest race drivers in the world driving them," said Joie Chitwood, president and COO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The Minnie Indy Charity Race will be a good complement to the events leading up to the 90th Running of the Indianapolis 500."

Each driver will be accompanied by a young student, selected from a school participating in the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program, who will do his or her best to assist the drivers as they make their way through the course. The winning driver will win a $25,000 donation to his/her charity of choice and the remaining drivers will receive $1,000 to donate to their charities of choice. The winning child will win an all-expense paid trip to the Disneyland Resort in southern California that will include bringing his/her immediate family.

"The 500 Festival focuses on great family entertainment, so we are thrilled to be involved with Disneyland ... the master of family fun," said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO, 500 Festival.

In addition to the participating IndyCar Series drivers, renowned Indianapolis 500 legends including Michael Andretti and Al Unser, Jr., will join current IRL series drivers to compete for prize money on behalf of their favorite charities.

"The fun of Disneyland and the spectacle of the Indy 500 are two great American traditions," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. "As the 50th anniversary celebration enters its finale this summer we are proud that our Autopia cars will be on hand to commemorate 90 years of racing excellence at the Indy 500."

The 500 Festival was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the Indianapolis 500. It is a not-for-profit organization supported by corporate sponsorships, memberships and ticket sales. More than 7,000 volunteers help produce 500 Festival events. With annual participation of more than 425,000 people from around Indiana and the world, it has grown to be one of the largest festivals in the nation.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has played host to the Indianapolis 500, the world's largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the United States Grand Prix Formula One race and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

Celebrating with the Indianapolis 500 is just one of the highlights of 2006 as the global 50th anniversary celebration of Disneyland continues around the world. Throughout the year each Disney resort will showcase more new innovative attractions and spectacular entertainment designed to appeal to guests of all ages with immersive experiences that only Disney can provide.

More information about the 50th anniversary celebration, plus vacations at the Disneyland Resort are available at www.disneyland.com, by calling (877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local travel agents.

Source: Disneyland Resort; Indianapolis 500