18th Annual Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000

Phoenix, AZ. January 11, 2008 –-Phoenix Art Museum’s most unique fundraiser, the 18th Annual Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 Vintage Car Road Rally rolls across Arizona from Sunday, April 6 thru Wednesday, April 9, 2008. The 80 rare and beautiful automobiles participating in the Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 will meet at Tempe Diablo Stadium for a public viewing on Sunday, April 6, before heading off for their four-day, 1,000 mile journey through Arizona. Joining the Copperstate cars at 2nd Annual Tempe Diablo “Field of Dreams” will be more than 500 cars from local valley automobile clubs participating in the Car Club Showcase as well as a Historic Racecar Showcase featuring 30 racecars built between 1930 and 1975. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the car of your dreams! Gates open at 8am with the European-style departure of the Copperstate cars from 10-11am. The Field of Dreams activities continue until 2pm. The cost is $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free.

The 2nd Annual Tempe Diablo “Field of Dreams” has been expanded this year to include a Car Club Showcase as well as a Historic Racecar Showcase. More than 500 cars from local Valley car clubs including Porsches, Mustangs, hot rods and many more will compete for trophies in the Car Club Showcase. Joining the Copperstate cars center stage on the grass will be the Historic Racecar Showcase sponsored by Vintage Motorsport magazine. More than 30 historic racecars representing 50 years of international racing history will be hand. Cars include (subject to change): 1930 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300;1953 Allard J2X; 1967 Ford GT 40 Mk IV; 1954 Ol’ Yaller Mk 1; 1955 Porsche 550; 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster; 1956 Maserati 150S; 1958 Lister Jaguar; 1959 Watson Indy Roadster; 1963 Jaguar Lightweight E-Type; 1965 Corvette A/P 427; 1965 Cobra Daytona Coupe; 1965 Hemi McKee Mk V; 1966 Shelby GT 350H; 1968 Porsche 911 Club Racer; 1968 Lola Mk III Spyder and a 1965 Shelby Cobra.

The Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 has become the premier vintage car road rally in the nation and this tour of Arizona attracts enthusiasts from across the country and around the world. The Rally includes over 80 selected sports, racing and Grand Touring cars manufactured before January 1, 1974. This years field of entries Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Maserati, Corvette, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Bizzarrini and more.

This year, the Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery Arizona has to offer. This year’s route will take them from Phoenix north thru Payson for lunch and then into historic Greer situated in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest for the evening. On day two, the drivers will spend the morning cruising south down the famed Coronado Trail. Formerly known as “The Devils Highway”, US Route 666, it is one of the least traveled roads in the country. After a well deserved lunch break, the drivers will make their way to the Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa just south of Tucson where they will park for the evening. The third day will offer the grand scenery of southern Arizona including visits to Mt. Lemmon, Pima Air & Space Museum and plenty miles logged on Arizona’s famed highways and byways. The final leg of the journey on Wednesday, April 9, will take the drivers to Bondurant School for High Performance Driving for a little track time and then back into the Valley of the Sun to for the evening. The rally winds down with the awards ceremony and closing dinner on Wednesday evening.

The 18th Annual Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 is organized by Phoenix Art Museum’s Men’s Arts Council. It is one of the largest and most unique fundraising events for the Museum.

This year’s event sponsors include AAA Arizona, Bell Lexus, E.D. Marshall Jewelers, Meguiar’s, U-Haul and Vintage Motorsport magazine.

For more information on the Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000, visit the Men’s Arts Council Web site at www.copperstate1000.com. For more information about Phoenix Art Museum, visit its Web site at PhxArt.org.