Best Western International Revs up Partnership With Michael Waltrip Racing for Eighth Consecutive Race Season Together

PHOENIX, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Western International has extended its partnership with one of NASCAR's most popular race teams, Michael Waltrip Racing, for the 2011 NASCAR season, the hotel chain announced today.

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Best Western, THE WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), has sponsored the two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip and his team for the past seven seasons. The hotel chain will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 00 Toyota Camry driven by David Reutimann for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race which was held at the Phoenix International Raceway on February 27, 2011. Best Western will also serve as an associate sponsor of the No. 00 for the remainder of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

"Best Western continues to serve as one of our team's most dedicated and creative partners and sponsors and our entire team is thankful that they are back on board for another NASCAR season," said Michael Waltrip. "From the annual 'Fan Swap' promotion to becoming an ordained minister to renew the vows of NASCAR's 'All-Star' couple, I know each year we'll have fun supporting Best Western and have the opportunity to interact with race fans and travelers."

"Michael, David and the entire Michael Waltrip Racing Team continue be wonderful partners for us both on the track and off, and we're looking forward to teaming up on some exciting initiatives this race season," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western International. "With a hotel for every type of trip and our Speed Rewards loyalty program just for NASCAR enthusiasts, race fans are certainly among our most welcome guests."

Best Western Speed Rewards, the only hotel loyalty program for race fans, is one of the most generous rewards programs and one of few that is truly international. With more than 4,000 locations in 80 countries, Best Western makes it easy for race fans to earn points that can be redeemed for global free room nights with no blackout dates, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, gas cards, airline miles and more. For more information on Best Western Racing or to sign up for the Speed Rewards loyalty program, please visit www.bestwesternracing.com.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

About Michael Waltrip Racing

The Cornelius, N.C.-based team fields Toyotas in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr., and Michael Waltrip.  MWR captured the 2009 and 2010 championships in K&N Pro Series East competition with driver Ryan Truex. Brett Moffitt will drive MWR's East entry in 2011.  Under the Pastrana-Waltrip banner, MWR fields a Nationwide entry with co-owners Gary and Blake Bechtel and action sports star Travis Pastrana. Pastrana and Ryan Truex will race for the team in 2011.

SOURCE Best Western International