Stoneacre Partners, LLC Launches NASCAR RacePoints, a New Consumer Rewards Program for Racing Fans; MBNA Adds New Rewards Program to NASCAR-Licensed VISA Credit Card

Business Wire, March 22, 2005

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Stoneacre Partners announces today the launch of NASCAR RacePoints(SM), a new rewards program designed for NASCAR(R) fans who use the products and services of official NASCAR sponsors. With its new MBNA NASCAR RacePoints(SM) VISA credit card, MBNA America Bank, N.A. has become the first issuing partner of NASCAR RacePoints. For the first time ever, the MBNA NASCAR RacePoints VISA credit card allows consumers to earn one NASCAR RacePoint for each dollar spent in net retail purchases.

"MBNA America Bank, N.A., the issuer of the officially licensed NASCAR VISA credit card, has become an important partner in NASCAR RacePoints," said Patrick Brady, Chairman and CEO of Stoneacre Partners, LLC. "MBNA provides the program with an anchor brand and product that enables race fans to earn NASCAR RacePoints through any purchase made with the MBNA NASCAR RacePoints VISA credit card."

"NASCAR RacePoints allows our customers to earn points simply by using their MBNA NASCAR RacePoints VISA credit card for everyday purchases. Points can be redeemed for NASCAR gear, collectibles, and once-in-a-lifetime NASCAR experiences," said Frank McKelvey, Senior Executive Vice President of MBNA America Bank, N.A.

NASCAR RacePoints is a free consumer loyalty program designed to allow participants to earn points based on purchases made with participating NASCAR sponsors. Accumulated points can be tracked and redeemed online for exciting race-related rewards in the exclusive NASCAR RacePoints catalog. Free enrollment in NASCAR RacePoints can be found at WWW.NASCAR.COM by clicking on NASCAR RacePoints.

"We believe the NASCAR RacePoints program will be very popular with our fans coast to coast," said Mark Dyer, Vice President of Licensing and Consumer Products for NASCAR. "Fans will now be able to earn great NASCAR merchandise free by using their MBNA NASCAR RacePoints Visa credit card and when they purchase qualifying products and services from other issuing sponsors."

"It's common knowledge that NASCAR fans are some of the most loyal in all of sports and this program is such a natural fit and hits the sweet spot with fans. We really think this program will resonate with NASCAR fans and are making it easy for them to participate in this rewards program by housing it on NASCAR.COM," said Scott Bailey, vice president and general manager, NASCAR.COM

The NASCAR RacePoints catalog offers racing fans an exciting array of rewards within four categories: Access & Experiences, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Apparel, and Merchandise. All the products and experiences in the catalog are from official NASCAR licensees including: Action Performance, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Team Caliber, VF Corporation and more. The opportunity to redeem NASCAR RacePoints begins May 31, 2005.

"I am very excited to partner with NASCAR RacePoints to be part of this exclusive rewards catalog," said Sam Bass, president of Sam Bass Illustration & Design. "As a longtime fan of the sport, I look forward to creating and developing unique artwork for NASCAR RacePoints that offer compelling rewards for the passionate NASCAR fan."

Within the Access & Experiences section of the NASCAR RacePoints catalog, fans will find unique fan experiences. These amazing rewards include the opportunity to ride in a pace car with a NASCAR legend or to become "Crew Chief For A Day" with a NASCAR team. Other rewards include a day at the track with the Richard Petty Driving Experience or access to the "red carpet" area of the driver introduction stage at a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. All of the rewards within the Access & Experience category are designed to provide racing fans with truly unique racing experiences that promise to live on as cherished memories.

Following today's launch of NASCAR RacePoints, additional official NASCAR sponsors are expected to sign on as partners and will begin offering consumers various point-earning opportunities with the purchase of their products and services. News of additional participating sponsors will be made available through the NASCAR RacePoints website.

About Stoneacre Partners, LLC

Stoneacre Partners, LLC, a leading developer of affinity and customer loyalty programs, has secured long-term, exclusive rights from NASCAR to create, develop and manage the NASCAR RacePoints program. Stoneacre and NASCAR are working closely with numerous sponsors, licensees and promotional partners to develop earning opportunities and rewards for participants in the NASCAR RacePoints program. Stoneacre manages fan relationships for the entire sport of NASCAR by directly connecting the sport to its avid fans. The Stoneacre Partners team has a long history of creating and developing some of the most successful customer loyalty initiatives in history, including Marlboro Gear, Pepsi Stuff, and the Beanie Babies Official Club.

About MBNA America Bank, N.A.

MBNA Corporation, (NYSE: KRB), the largest independent credit card lender in the world and the recognized leader in affinity marketing, is an international financial services company providing lending, deposit, and credit insurance products and services. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5,000 organizations and financial institutions worldwide. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.mbna.com.