2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstore Bayview Mackinac Race.

New Sponsor, New Course Mark 83(rd) Race

DETROIT -- More than 250 sailboats and some 3,000 sailors will take to Lake Huron on Saturday, July 21, 2007, to take part in the 83rd tradition of the Great Lakes known this year officially as the "2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race."

"We are delighted to have the 39 dealers that comprise the Chrysler Jeep Superstores as the sponsor of the 2007 Mackinac Race - the race is officially known as the 2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race," said Commodore Tom Meier. "The people from Chrysler Jeep Superstores, their ad agency BBDO and everyone has been great to work with and we thank them for supporting this grand Michigan tradition."

Chrysler Jeep Superstores are the official title sponsor of the 2007 race. The race had been sponsored for 17 years by Bacardi rum through 2006. More than a dozen other sponsors are also supporting the 2007 "MAC" race.

The new 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.

"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 "2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup Race" - considered the "Super Bowl" of world power boat racing - which runs July 13-15, 2007 on the Detroit River. The unlimited hydroplane boats race at speeds of more than 200 MPH with 3,000 horsepower engines.

From its traditional start in Lake Huron the sailboats will head due North on a single course - the first time in 16 years - toward a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather buoy located about 43 miles Northeast of Alpena, Michigan. The buoy, anchored in 462-feet of water, will serve as the "mark" where skippers will turn their boats to head for the finish line at Mackinac Island and complete the 254-mile course.

Prior to heading out into the open waters of Lake Huron, the sailors will be sent off from their docking area in the mouth of the Black River with thousands of race fans and family cheering them on as the fleet of race-ready yachts get underway for the grand tradition and excitement that is offshore sailboat racing. Sailor vs. Sailor, Yacht vs. Yacht and all competing with the weather and seeking fair winds to give their sailboat the winning edge.

"This year will mark many firsts with our sponsor Chrysler Jeep Superstores, a new sailing course and the milestone of the 150th anniversary of the City of Port Huron, our race start host site since 1925," said Thomas Meier, Commodore of the Bayview Yacht Club. "It is compelling and exciting that this grand racing tradition - watched the world over via the internet and media coverage - also maintains the sailing traditions that have stood the test of time."

"We will set a new course record this year given that it is an entirely new course for 2007," Meier said. "I would like to extend our appreciation for the sailors, their families, friends and staff of Bayview for all that they do to make this event such a success. I congratulate the Mackinac 2007 Race Chairman, Phillip Lyon for an outstanding effort in carrying on this event while incorporating needed changes."

"The Mackinac race is a right of summer in Michigan and event that is looked forward to all year until the starting gun goes off," said 2007 Race Chairman Phillip Lyon. "Mackinac race flags are coveted awards and this year's course change - bringing all the sailing boats to one course - should enhance the competitive feel of the race. When it is all said and done, whether a yacht is first to finish or last, this race is about the challenge and spirit of competition."

The 2007 Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race will held on Saturday July 21, 2007, with final race registration July 17. Bayview, founded in 1915, is widely regarded as the premier sailing club in Michigan and the Midwest. The private club is located on the Detroit River near the mouth of Lake St. Clair and has more than 1,000 members.

The "2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race" is produced by the Bayview Yacht Club, http://byc.com/. Official race Web site: http://byc.com/mack07/raceupdates.cfm.

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. Web site: www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com.

Media inquires on the 83rd sailing of the Bayview to Port Huron Race or any Bayview Yacht Club issues should be directed to Bruce Babiarz, BAB Associates, LLC at [e-mail] or 248-890-5030 or Kerrie Barno, [e-mail], BYC Administrator at 313-822-1853. www.byc.com is the official Bayview Yacht Club website.