Daytona day one notes

Crown Royal IROC Series Hits the High Banks at Daytona.

Daytona Beach, FL (Feb. 4, 2004) -- The Crown Royal International Race of Champions began on-track activities Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for Race One, which will take place on Friday, Feb. 13 and will be broadcast live on Speed Channel at 5:00 PM. ET.

The four-race million-dollar crown will be contested among 12 drivers, representing two stock car divisions and three open wheel divisions.

<pre> The 2004 Crown Royal IROC Series Drivers

Name                                    Representing
Kurt Busch (2003 IROC Champion)         NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Helio Castroneves                       IRL IndyCar Series
Scot Dixon                              IRL IndyCar Series
Kevin Harvick                           NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Jimmie Johnson                          NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Matt Kenseth                            NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Steve Kinser                            World of Outlaws
Travis Kvapil                           NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Danny Lasoski                           World of Outlaws
Ryan Newman                             NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Scott Sharp                             IRL IndyCar Series
J. J. Yeley                             USAC

The 2004 USAC Triple Crown Champion, J. J. Yeley made his debut on the 2.5-mile, high banks of Daytona on Wednesday in the Crown Royal IROC cars. Yeley's primary racing experience has been on short track ovals in open cockpit sprint and midget cars. Of his first impressions of the super speedway, Yeley said, "The IROC cars handle a lot different around here than the mini van I drove around earlier today. The three IROC cars I drove have some of their own characteristics, but I was very comfortable with everything and right now I think the biggest learning curve for me is going to be the draft. I really had a lot of fun out here today."

Yeley was in good company on the track with input and instruction from veteran IROC test drivers, Dave Marcis, Jim Sauter, Dick Trickle, Andy Hillenburg and Jay Sauter. Joining in the on-track activities was returning World of Outlaws competitor, Danny Lasoski.

Crown Royal IROC practice and testing will resume Thursday at Daytona.

Crown Royal, America's leading super premium whisky, has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky.

In addition to its sponsorship of the Crown Royal IROC Series, the brand also sponsors Team Crown Royal, a professional fishing team; The Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest and a number of other major regional and national events. For more information on Crown Royal, visit www.crownroyal.com.

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