Team Xbox to Compete in
Cannonball One Lap of America
Art Director and Game Design Director of best-selling Xbox 360 racing game to race in marathon competition to raise awareness of video games safety and ratings
REDMOND, WA, May 4, 2005 — On Saturday, May 6, two key contributors to Microsoft's Xbox 360 Project Gotham Racing (PGR) franchise will climb behind the wheel of a Noble M400 supercar to compete in the 2006 Tire Rack Cannonball One Lap of America Presented by Car and Driver Magazine.
PGR Art Director Kiki Wolfkill and Game Design Director Chris Novak will travel almost 5,000 miles in eight days, stopping off at nine of America's premier racetracks along the way for timed competitions. While the two video game professionals have logged thousands of hours of virtual seat time in Xbox 360 racing games like Project Gotham Racing 3 and Forza Motorsport, they also are no strangers to real-world racing.
The two will drive a Noble M400 from 1g Racing, the sole Noble distributor in the U.S. One of the cars featured in Project Gotham Racing 3; the Noble M400 recently received the prestigious Britain's Best Driver's Car Award from Autocar Magazine UK.
As they hurtle through nine states in eight days, Wolfkill and Novak will file daily reports from the road (and track) on http://projectgothamracing3.com/behindthescenes/One+Lap+of+America.htm.
A video crew from Voom HD Networks will accompany Team Xbox throughout the race, videotaping all of the action, with footage airing later this year on Gameplay HD.
"Our goal in participating in this year's One Lap is to raise awareness about the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system for video games, and to highlight family settings available in electronic gaming consoles like Xbox 360," says Wolfkill.
Microsoft and Best Buy have teamed up to help ensure parents are aware of the tools available to help them provide a safe, secure entertainment experience for their families.
As part of the campaign, Xbox 360 wristbands, with different phrases including “Life is Your Game” and “Challenge Me” are available exclusively at U.S. Best Buy stores for $1. All proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America in support of the Club Tech program, founded by Microsoft, which trains youth to use technology safely and responsibly.
Each wristband comes with a pamphlet that outlines “Safe and Secure Family Entertainment.” Its content defines the ESRB ratings system and offers directions on how to set up “Family Settings,” built-in safety measures in gaming consoles that let parents choose the right play and view settings for their family. Customers can find more information about ratings and safety for video games at any U.S. Best Buy store or online at http://www.BestBuy.com/familygamingand at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/familysettings/xbox360/familysettings-intro.htm.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is an innovative Fortune 100 growth company that continually strives to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 940 retail stores across the United States and in Canada, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com and BestBuyCanada.ca), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca) and Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com). We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Club Tech Program
Club Tech is a program created by Microsoft and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to “technology enable” more than 2,800 Clubs nationwide, bringing technology access programs to more than 4.4 million young people. By leveling the “virtual playing field,” youth of all ages and circumstances will have the same resources and skills to help them discover their world; expand creativity; perform better in school, and eventually take their technology know-how into the workplace.
About Noble
Noble Automotive Ltd. (http://www.noblecars.com) was founded in 1998 by Lee Noble, a self-taught engineer who abandoned formal schooling at age 16 and decided to build his own production cars.
Prior to starting his own company, Noble spent 20 years developing skills as a race car driver and designer. Along the way, he designed the Ascari and Ultima GT race cars. Today, Noble produces high speed sports cars with a MR (mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive) drivetrain layout.
About 1g Racing
1g Racing (http://www.1gracing.com) is the exclusive distributor of the Noble® M12 GTO-3R and M400 in the United States.
About Gameplay HD
Gameplay HD is the new experience of next gen video games creating next gen TV — all in HD. The hottest game releases come alive through cinematic storytelling, pure gameplay sessions, tours and strategy tips, news and previews from the top publishers, plus inside access to the world's best tournament competitions.
About the Tire Rack Cannonball One Lap America Presented By Car and Driver
This year, the Tire Rack Cannonball One Lap of America (http://www.onelapofamerica.com) kicks off in South Bend, Indiana. Spanning eight states, 11 track events, and seven days of straight no-holds barred driving..
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