Bank of the West Strikes Gold as ``Official Bank of Sears Point Raceway''.

Business & Sports Editors

SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2001

Bank of the West and Sears Point Raceway have formed a partnership that will make the western regional banking company the "Official Bank of Sears Point Raceway."

The three-year agreement will give Bank of the West a significant signage package at the raceway and a major business-to-business initiative, plus consumer promotional rights to use the Sears Point Raceway name and logos.

"With Bank of the West's geographic presence throughout the West, this is a terrific fit for Sears Point Raceway and we look forward to building promotions that build business for Bank of the West," said Tim Schuldt, Vice President of Sales/ Marketing at Sears Point Raceway. "This relationship will also help us build our brand throughout the West Coast."

Bank of the West will install two permanent on-site ATMs at Sears Point Raceway. The two companies will also develop event-specific promotions to help support the bank's consumer efforts. Bank of the West will also receive banner placement on Sears Point Raceway's Web-site (www.searspoint.com) and have an information booth for fans at major events.

Bank of the West begins its relationship with Sears Point Raceway as the facility continues work on its $35 million modernization plan that will transform the raceway into one of the premier entertainment and motorsports venues in the country.

Bank of the West, with more than $11 billion in assets and growing, serves the personal and business banking needs of customers in Northern California, Oregon, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington and Idaho. San Francisco-based Bank of the West has been serving the needs of its customers for 127 years. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BancWest Corporation (NYSE: BWE).

Sears Point Raceway is owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc (NYSE: TRK)., a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. SMI also owns and operates the following premiere facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. SMI also provides food, beverage and souvenir merchandising services through its Finish Line Events subsidiary, and manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars through its 600 Racing subsidiary.