Richmond International Raceway and Chevrolet officials announced today that Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Ltd. has built a custom guitar trophy for the winner of the 2006 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday, September 9 "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway.

Saturday night's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Chevy Rock & Roll 400 marks the second year that Richmond International Raceway and Chevrolet have partnered with PRS Guitars to offer a unique, highly appointed trophy featuring a fully functional PRS guitar.

Last year, PRS Guitars enlivened the Rock & Roll theme of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway as they enthusiastically handcrafted a race trophy, unlike any other.

"The trophy created by PRS Guitars for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is the coolest and most impressive trophy I have ever seen for any sporting event," said Doug Fritz, president of Richmond International Raceway. "It's actually more than a trophy, it is a piece of art; one that we will be proud to give away and one that our winner will be proud to have in their collection. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is one of the most prestigious races on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series circuit and PRS Guitars has created a world-class trophy to match."

Last year's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 winner Kurt Busch said, "As soon as I jumped out of the car in victory lane, I noticed the trophy and asked one of the race officials if that was the one I actually got to take home. I couldn't believe it! It's just a really cool trophy - very unique. It definitely stands out from all the others. And it's the first time I've ever known exactly where I was going to put the trophy the moment I saw it. The trophy definitely is a piece of art. I was cleaning some of the champagne off of it the other night at home, and I started playing the guitar a little bit. I don't know how to play at all, but maybe I can learn a thing or two."

"In a way, it's tough when your first album goes platinum. The fans have high expectations for the second album. That's kind of how we feel," stated Jack Higginbotham, president of PRS Guitars. This year's trophy will be along a similar theme.

The 2006 Chevy Rock & Roll trophy is even more appointed than last year's, taking more than three months to complete. Designed and painted to match this year's pace car, the trophy measures over four feet tall and incorporates a custom PRS Chevy guitar engulfed in polished aluminum flames, seated atop a mahogany and maple pedestal. In collaboration with Baltimore metal sculptor Karl Saar, the PRS design team (Paul Miles, Bill Oertel and Don Close) have put forth countless hours to bring the trophy to life. Its estimated retail value is $20,000.

"PRS Guitars has crafted a beautiful trophy for this year's Rock & Roll 400," said Terry Dolan, Chevy Racing group manager. "The race is pivotal in determining who will compete for the NEXTEL Cup Championship and the PRS designed sculpture is a perfect complement to the excitement of the event."

Richmond International Raceway, PRS Guitars and Chevrolet will unveil the trophy on Friday, September 8 in the Kenneth Campbell Infield Media Center.

Although Saturday night's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is sold out for the 30th consecutive NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway, fans still have the opportunity to catch many NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers in the always-exciting NASCAR Busch Series Emerson Radio 250, set for Friday, September 8 "under the lights." Chesterfield, Virginia's own Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, defending champion Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Clint Bowyer, J.J. Yeley and Reed Sorenson are among the list of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series regulars who plan to enter the Emerson Radio 250.

Tickets for that day will also include Fas Mart Pole Qualifying for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.rir.com or by calling 1-866-455-RACE (7223). Reserved seats are $45 in advance and $50 the day of the race. General admission seating is $35 in advance and $40 the day of the race. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admission seating with a ticketed adult Friday night.