National Press Release

DETROIT, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bayview Mackinac sail boat race -- sometimes incorrectly called the Port Huron Mackinac race -- is getting set to sail one of the most challenging sail boat races in the world with continuing title sponsor, Chrysler Jeep Superstores.

The "Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race" will run on a due North course July 12 through Lake Huron from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. The race draws more than 250 global sailing yachts and more than 3,000 seasoned sailors from across Michigan, the Unites States and the world.

The title sponsorship was announced by Jim Schebil, president, Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association, a group of 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeast Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron.

"This is recognized as one of the most challenging and exciting sail boat races in the world on one of the most unpredictable bodies of water in the world," Schebil said. "The Chrysler Jeep Superstores are proud to present another world class racing event steeped in decades of sportsmanship and family tradition."

Chrysler Jeep Superstores is also the title sponsor of the "2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup Race" -- considered the "Super Bowl" of world power boat racing -- which runs July 11-13 on the Detroit River, south of Port Huron. The unlimited hydroplane boats skim on the top of the water covering a football field in less than a second at speeds of more than 200 MPH with 3,000 horsepower engines.

"Boat racing fans can now get double pleasure with both sail and powerboat racing on the Great Lakes between Detroit and Mackinac Island," Schebil said. "Each of our Chrysler Jeep Superstores has a long tradition of hometown involvement and community events. These races take that tradition to a regional level."

Lake Huron is one of the five "Great Lakes" which holds 20 percent of the world's fresh water. They are commonly known outside the U.S. as "inland oceans" due to their size, volume of water, extreme depths and sudden shifts in weather conditions -- all of which create some of the most demanding sail racing conditions in the world.

A portion of all race entry fees from the race will be donated to the Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives Tour, a group comprised of 90 organizations representing millions of Great Lakes residents whose goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes.

"Sailors have always been 'green' and stepping up to raise awareness of the need to preserve and protect the largest body of fresh water in the world is simply the right thing to do," said Bayview Yacht Club Commodore Timothy LaRiviere. "We expect to raise substantial awareness and contributions for the coalition of organizations that have taken up the cause for pure water in Michigan -- our greatest natural resource."

The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association has become the premier sponsor of Southeast Michigan family fun festivals, concerts and special events which include, in addition to these boat races: Downtown [Detroit] Winter Blast, Downtown Hoedown, Thunder Over Michigan Air Show and the Detroit Tigers Negro League Weekend.

The "2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race" is produced by the Bayview Yacht Club, http://byc.com/. Visit the official race Web site at: http://www.byc.com/mack.

The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is a group of 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeast Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. To find out more, visit: http://www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com.

Port Huron area information Web site: http://phuron.wliinc3.com/index.asp. Mackinac Island information Web site: http://www.mackinacisland.org/. Detroit visitors Web site: http://www.visitdetroit.com/.

SOURCE Chrysler Jeep Superstores