Nextel Extends NASCAR All-Star Voting, But Not Sweeps

An overwhelming response from NASCAR fans has prompted Nextel Communications, Inc. to extend fan voting for the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge, which will send an eligible driver to the circuit's All-Star race. Fans can continue to cast votes until May 20.

In the three weeks of voting, which was scheduled to end last Saturday, more than 300,000 fans voted at the track, online by or texting "STAR" to 7827. Last year, just over 200,000 fans voted.

"The number of fans voting to put a driver into the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge has been tremendous," said Michael Robichaud, senior director of sports and entertainment marketing for Nextel. "We want to keep that momentum rolling and allow all fans that would like their say in the outcome to have a chance to vote."

A sweepstakes that coincided with the promotion was not extended.

Fans participating in the Nextel All-Star Challenge Sweepstakes through May 7 were automatically entered for a chance to win a $50,000 cash prize and an ultimate fan experience VIP package, valued at $20,000, compliments of Nextel. The VIP prize package included four tickets to the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge, accommodations, a ride in the official pace car, helicopter transport to the race and the opportunity to be the honorary starter of the race.

The Nextel All-Star Challenge will be held May 21 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Charlotte, NC. EPrize, Farmington Hills, MI, handled the sweepstakes.

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