Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

MINNEAPOLIS (November 29, 2007) – The final race has been run, and the checkered flag has fallen on the NASCAR racing season; but before it was all over, race fans answered the call to vote for their favorite driver. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was voted the 2007 NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver for the fifth consecutive year and was presented with the award today at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon in New York City.

“I’m extremely honored to win this award again, because it puts me with a very select group of drivers who I have a lot of respect for,” Earnhardt, Jr. commented. “When I became a Cup driver in 1999, I never would’ve imagined that we’d be talking about five consecutive Most Popular Driver awards. I have a special place at JR Motorsports where I put the MPD trophies, so I’m honored to add another one to the collection.

“I don’t want it to sound like a cliché, but this award really does mean a lot to me after all we have been through this year,” continued Earnhardt, Jr.. “This year has marked a significant transition in my life and career, and I knew the fans could go either way in supporting my decision or not. It was tough, and I don’t underestimate the fans’ support. It’s been overwhelming, and I really appreciate it.”

Throughout the race season, race fans could log on to www.mostpopulardriver.com once a day and vote for their favorite driver. Voting ended on November 19 at 11:59 pm CST. A total of 3.8 million votes were cast this year, with Earnhardt, Jr. receiving 1.4 million votes.

“General Mills is very proud to once again present Dale Earnhardt, Jr. with the NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver award,” said Becky O’Grady, Vice President of Marketing for Chex® cereal. “Earnhardt, Jr. has a dedicated fan base that has supported him throughout his racing career, and each year it shows in the number of votes he receives as the most popular driver. We are honored to present this prestigious award to Dale Jr., thanks to his loyal fans.”

After receiving the award this year, Earnhardt, Jr. has joined Richard Petty and Bill Elliott as the only drivers to win five straight awards. Petty won from 1974 – 1978 and Elliott won from 1984 – 1988.

Other drivers who finished in this year’s top 10 include Jeff Gordon, who finished second in the voting, followed by Michael Waltrip, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett.

More than 50 Nextel Cup Series drivers were eligible in 2007 for the esteemed NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver Award, which is administered by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). It has been awarded annually since 1956 and is one of the oldest awards in racing.

Chex® cereals are a fan favorite on and off the race track. For more than 60 years, Chex® cereals have been served on family breakfast tables. In 2001, Chex joined one of the first families of racing, Petty Enterprises, as a sponsor. Chex® is a big supporter of racing and is an associate sponsor of the legendary #43 Dodge driven by Bobby Labonte.

Chex® recognized the passion and loyalty of the motor sports fan and, in 2005, began to sponsor the NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver Award. To date, more than 18 million votes have been cast, making it the largest fan-based award in motor sports.

Chex® cereals offer wholesome great taste, calcium, vitamins and an enjoyable crunch while remaining low in fat and cholesterol-free. From the original Wheat Chex®, the brand has grown to include six varieties to suit eaters with different tastes. Classic Wheat Chex®, Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® and Multi-Bran Chex® cereals offer a simple, delicious taste of oven-toasted grains while Honey Nut Chex® and Chocolate Chex® add a sweet — but not too sweet — flavor the whole family will enjoy.