NASCAR revving up with IMAX.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), NASCAR Digital Entertainment (NDE) and IMAX Corporation announced today that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop and produce an IMAX film that will capture the thrilling excitement of NASCAR in this larger-than-life film format.

IMAX technology will transport audiences from behind-the-scenes action of NASCAR into the driver's seat of cars traveling at 190 mph, providing a film experience that only IMAX delivers in size, sound, clarity and impact. Production will begin in 2002, with an anticipated release to the worldwide IMAX theatre network in 2003.

Set against the exciting competition of NASCAR and authentic NASCAR events, the IMAX film will focus an the non-stop thrills NASCAR racing offers. Featuring the most competitive and skilled drivers and race teams in the world, the NASCAR-IMAX film will capture the behind-the-scenes aspects of a sport that has unique family qualities and truly represents the fabric of America.

"As we look to continue the growth of NASCAR to a world-wide audience, a NASCAR-IMAX film is perfect in bringing together two of the biggest brands in sports and entertainment," said Paul Brooks, vice president of broadcasting for NASCAR. "The sights, sounds, speed and passion that fuel NASCAR make us a natural fit for an IMAX experience and, most importantly, the audience will see up close the real life stars of our sport who compete week in and week out in NASCAR racing across America."

The IMAX technology is enhanced by a specially designed six-channel, multi-speaker sound system that is projected onto giant rectangular screens, up to eight stories high. The IMAX experience will allow the audience to see, hear and feel what it is like to be in the middle of a NASCAR race.

"We are so pleased to have entered into this important partnership with NASCAR," said Greg Foster, IMAX's President, Filmed Entertainment. "This remarkable sport is a perfect fit for what IMAX does best - putting the audience in the middle of the action. NASCAR has captured the imagination of fans globally because of its energy, excitement, culture, sights and sounds and this IMAX film will translate the experience onto the giant screen."

Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has provided some of the most thrilling moments in motorsports history. In the ensuing years and under the leadership of three generations of the France family and current president Mike Helton, the sport has transformed itself from a rural, regionally focused activity to a national pastime.