Best Western's Third Annual 'Fan Swap' Gives Fans the Chance to Swap Jobs With Michael Waltrip

PHOENIX, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Western, the World's Largest Hotel Chain®, has teamed with Michael Waltrip Racing for a third consecutive year to offer fans a one-of-a-kind stock car racing experience, with the annual "Fan Swap" charity auction launching on Thursday, August 12.  

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A pair of race fans will win a trip to Cornelius, N.C., to "swap" jobs for a day with two-time Daytona 500® winner Michael Waltrip, as well as travel with his race team to the races in Richmond, Va.

Fans who visit the Best Western "Fan Swap" auction site starting August 12 through August 22 will bid to:

• "Swap" jobs with Michael Waltrip in Cornelius, N.C. on Thursday, September 9  
• Spend an afternoon exploring the behind-the-scenes, inner workings of Michael Waltrip Racing  
• Experience an exclusive tour of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte on Thursday, September 9
• Tour exclusively Showtime's "Inside NASCAR" studios with Waltrip, including lunch with Waltrip and driver David Reutimann
• Travel to Richmond, Va., the weekend of September 10 through 11 to become a member of the No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing team
• Be as close to the action as possible and watch both races that weekend from inside the driver's pit area

The "Fan Swap" auction experience also includes roundtrip airfare, Best Western hotel accommodations and transportation for the winner and a guest.

As an added bonus, Waltrip will travel to the winning bidder's hometown and work as they would for an afternoon, meeting with their friends and family and interacting with co-workers and colleagues.  Proceeds from the "Fan Swap" auction will benefit World Vision, Best Western's official charity partner, dedicated to alleviating the causes of poverty and injustice among children and families around the world.

"As Michael Waltrip Racing relies on team work to enjoy success on the track, race fans rely on Best Western as their hotel brand of choice throughout the stockcar racing season," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "To thank Michael's and our most loyal fans, we're again giving them an opportunity to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the sport's most successful racing teams with our third annual 'Fan Swap.'"

The "Fan Swap" auction begins Thursday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT and will end at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT on August 22.  Fans should visit www.auctionjam.com/fanswap to review the auction's official rules and regulations.

"While racing fans are some of the most loyal and knowledgeable sports fans, two will have the opportunity to see if they can keep up with my hectic schedule as a driver and team owner," Waltrip said.  "Get ready for an experience of a lifetime as Best Western and Michael Waltrip Racing prepare to launch the third annual 'Fan Swap' charity auction!"

For official rules and to register before the auction begins, visit www.auctionjam.com/fanswap.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated Best Western, Best Western Plus™ and Best Western Premier® hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, 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 largest 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.

SOURCE Best Western International