Thomas Kinkade Returns to Daytona International Speedway

Fan events provide opportunity to view commemorative 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500®artwork

Charlotte, N.C. (June 30, 2008) - Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light™, returns to Daytona International Speedway for the first time since he sketched the officially licensed Limited Edition Commemorative Portrait NASCAR® THUNDER, The 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500®.

The visit is highlighted by a number of events during the Coke Zero™ 400 NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series race weekend providing a unique opportunity to meet Mr. Kinkade and see the portrait NASCAR® THUNDER. Thomas Kinkade sketched his historic portrait on-site during the February, 2008, running of the 50th DAYTONA 500®. More than 10,000 online votes were tallied earlier this year to select the favorite sketch that would become the basis for the final artwork.

Fans are welcome to visit Thomas Kinkade for an autograph session at the Fan Zone at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, July 5th from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Two additional events provide a unique opportunity to visit with Thomas Kinkade in a gallery setting. Mr. Kinkade will be at the Coke Zero Club from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and the DAYTONA 500® Club from 6-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 5th. Tickets for access to these locations can be purchased at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Mr. Kinkade will be available for media interviews to discuss his vision and passion for this project. He will also announce a special online auction of the Limited Edition Number 50 Canvas print of NASCAR® THUNDER The 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500® signed by Thomas Kinkade, DAYTONA 500® winner Ryan Newman, and many of the drivers who competed in this historic race. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp, the official 2008 charity for The Thomas Kinkade Company.

Interview opportunities may be scheduled by contacting Dennis Punch, VERVE Sponsorship Group, at (828) 464-6677 - Office or (704) 530-4754 - Cell; Dpunch@vervesg.com

About the Thomas Kinkade Company
The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers, and strategic marketing relationships with more than 70 licensees. The company's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Mr. Kinkade's artistic unique use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. Mr. Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light™, is the most successful and most collected living artist in U.S. history. For more information, please visit http://www.thomaskinkade.com.
 
About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is the home of the "Great American Race" - the DAYTONA 500 - NASCAR's biggest, richest, and most prestigious race in America and the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola - The Mid-Summer Spectacular under the lights. Daytona boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe - from stock cars, sports cars, go-karts, and motorcycles - earning it the title of "The World Center of Racing". For more information, visit www.DAYTONA500.com or www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), celebrating 60 years in 2008, is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport - holding 17 of the top 20 highest attended sporting events in the U.S., and is the No. 2 rated regular-season sport on television. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in more than 30 languages. NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result, more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.

NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series), four regional series, one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (FL), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (AR), Mexico City, and Toronto.