National Guard and GMAC Kick Off New NASCAR Partnership at GMAC Bowl

The Army National Guard will kick off its NASCAR partnership with GMAC by participating in the GMAC Bowl and related activities in Mobile, Alabama during the first week of January. Earlier this week it was announced that the National Guard would be joining GMAC to sponsor the No. 25 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with new driver Casey Mears for the 2007 season. Various activities will take place beginning on Tuesday, January 2 and culminate with the GMAC Bowl game on Sunday, January 7. The Alabama National Guard has participated in the GMAC Bowl for several years, but due to the National Guard's new relationship with GMAC, their presence will greatly increase in 2007. The Alabama National Guard will sponsor the Team Luncheon on the USS Alabama Battleship on Thursday, January 4. Major General C. Mark Bowen, Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, will be the guest speaker and Lieutenant General Clyde A. Vaughn, Director of the Army National Guard, is scheduled to attend. Casey Mears will attend the Mayor's Dinner for the coaches and players on Friday, January 5. He will assist GMAC Mortgage VP, Greg Sugg, in presenting three scholarships to deserving recipients, as part of the Ricky Hendrick Memorial Scholarship. The No. 25 National Guard/GMAC showcar will appear in the Mardi Gras Parade on the evening of Saturday, January 6, and will also be on display on game day, Sunday January 7, near the GMAC Optidome. The National Guard will have displays at each of these locations where guests can play video games and talk to members of the Alabama National Guard. Game day ceremonies will include Major General Bowen swearing in a new group of National Guard soldiers on the playing field prior to kick-off. For more information on the National Guard, go to www.1800goguard.com.