Michael Waltrip to 'Swap' Jobs with Businessman
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| 10/2/2008 |
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TWO-TIME DAYTONA 500 WINNER MICHAEL WALTRIP TO ‘SWAP’ JOBS WITH WEST TEXAS BUSINESSMAN FOR ONE DAY
Best Western’s “Fan Swap” eBay Auction Generates More Than $4,000 to Benefit World Vision
PHOENIX (OCTOBER 2, 2008) – As an oil man, restaurateur, collector and restorer of classic cars and owner of both a race track and an aircraft maintenance business, Murray Erickson of Odessa, Texas, is a true entrepreneur. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ driver Michael Waltrip will soon learn just how busy Erickson is when both “swap” jobs for a day.
Erickson outbid others on eBay to earn this one-of-a-kind opportunity to oversee Michael Waltrip Racing for a day with a top bid of $4,193.16. Organized by Best Western International, The Official Hotel of NASCAR®, and Michael Waltrip Racing, the “Fan Swap” charity auction benefited World Vision, Best Western’s official humanitarian partner dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to tackle the causes of poverty, domestically and internationally.
Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, will spend one day working as Erickson would in Odessa – first mentoring aspiring drivers and working Erickson’s race track to ensure it’s in good shape. Later, Waltrip will visit Erickson’s classic car restoration garage to tune-up vintage cars and wash several for display. In return, Erickson will travel to Cornelius, North Carolina, to take part in the inner workings of an official NASCAR team, Michael Waltrip Racing, at the team’s headquarters at Raceworld USA.
“As a racing and car enthusiast, I couldn’t be more excited to work with and learn from a legend in the sport, and know that I’ve contributed to an organization that benefits so many children worldwide,” said Erickson. “While Odessa is best known for its Friday night high school football, our community is excited to host Michael and show our excitement for NASCAR.”
As part of his experience in the Charlotte area, Erickson will receive a ride-along at 180 mph with NASCAR teammate David Reutimann at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Erickson will also attend a live taping of Michael Waltrip’s Sirius XM Radio show, enjoy lunch with Waltrip and Reutimann and return home with official Michael Waltrip racing gear.
“I thought that managing a NASCAR team and racing for 500 miles on weekends was a hectic career, but Murray may have me beat,” said Waltrip. “After restoring and washing cars, and working at the race track, I’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.”
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
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member 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. Best Western's diverse property portfolio, its greatest strength, stems from a business model designed to give owners maximum flexibility to address market-specific needs. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a five-year mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. Since 2004, Best Western has served as the Official Hotel of NASCAR®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.
*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.
ABOUT WORLD VISION
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.
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