FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      CONTACT: Tricia Braid

                                                              (309) 827-0912, (309) 830-3393   

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.—Illinois farmers have an exclusive opportunity to join the Family Farmers High Performance Team, bringing the farm to more than 30,000 NASCAR fans at the Chicagoland Speedway.

Kenny Wallace, currently 7^th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) driver rankings, will pilot the “Family Farmers” car in the June 4^th race which will be aired live at 7PM on ESPN. Partnered with the television exposure of the “Family Farmers” car, the nearly 18,000 square foot “Farm Experience” will allow race fans to learn more about farming, and more importantly, meet family farmers themselves.

As members of their respective commodity organizations, farmers can purchase an exclusive ticket package. Illinois Corn Growers Association members and Illinois Soybean Association members get a discounted rate of $25.

Non-member checkoff investors in either the corn or soybean checkoff program can access the same package at $50.

The $25 ticket package includes:

• Race admission valued at $45
• Exclusive offsite hospitality including parking and transportation to and from the track
• Meal and beverages
• Special appearance by NASCAR NNS Driver Kenny Wallace
• “Illinois Family Farmers High Performance Team” t-shirt

At the “Farm Experience” display, the American Lung Association of Illinois will present information about the health benefits of ethanol and biodiesel. Additionally, two combines will be on display, one with a corn head and the other with a soybean platform. Educational signage for adults and youth will round-out the display in the Champions Park area. Be sure to stop by.

Tickets go on sale for this exclusive opportunity on May 18, 2011. Farmer members and checkoff investors may purchase tickets for themselves and their immediate family members (under 18) by contacting the IL Corn office at 309-827-0912. Information is also available by clicking the Illinois Family Farmers High Performance Team logo on the www.ilcorn.org homepage.

Tickets are limited. To reserve preferred t-shirt sizes, early reservations are required.

The “Family Farmers” coalition is supported by Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Association, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, and Marquis Energy, and is funded in part by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff.

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