"Speedking” Russ Wicks Attempts to Break World Speed Record at Bonneville Speedway in the Autodesk-Sponsored Dodge Charger

Autodesk and Dodge Team Up to Sponsor Wicks in his World Speed Record Attempt

WHAT: New World Speed Record

Russ Wicks, the “Speedking” and the only living person to hold world speed records of over 200 mph on both land and water, attempts to break the stock car world speed record of 222 mph, set last year. Wicks and his American Challenge team will attempt to set a new world speed record over a three-day period, October 8 – 10.

WHERE: Bonneville Speedway, Bonneville , Utah

Bonneville Speedway is a flat stretch of terrain in the Bonneville Salt Flats located in northwestern Utah . Bonneville Salt Flats has been used as a speed-testing ground for nearly a century.

WHEN: October 8 – 10, 2007

Activity starts at sunrise on Monday, October 8, 2007.

DETAILS: Wicks and his American Challenge team will be attempting to set the record with a Dodge Charger stock car race vehicle with sponsorship from Dodge and Autodesk, Inc.

Wicks’ vehicle, the Autodesk-Sponsored Dodge Charger, was built to compete on the Talladega high-speed oval. The Dodge Motorsports Engineering Group collaborated with Wicks’ American Challenge team to enhance the speed and stability of the vehicle. Autodesk AliasStudio software—used for design and surfacing—and Autodesk Inventor software, a 3D Digital Prototyping tool that optimizes the concept-to-manufacturing process, played an integral role in the performance modifications.

CONTACT: To learn more about how Autodesk technology is helping Wicks in his latest adventure, or to schedule an interview with Wicks, please contact:

Rosemary Mori: rosemary.mori@autodesk.com, 415.547.2474
or cell (on-site) 415.217.9766

or Stephanie Peters: stephanie.peters@edelman.com, 312.233.1266

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group’s best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the United States . In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.

The introduction of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 marks a milestone in the Dodge brand’s history with its boldest lineup of passenger cars including the all-new 2008 Avenger and Caliber, as well as the refreshed Dodge Charger and Magnum. This onslaught of product gives the brand a completely new and refreshed passenger car lineup. In 2008, Dodge will introduce the all-new modern muscle car, the Dodge Challenger.

Dodge currently races the Charger, Avenger and Ram in NASCAR Nextel Cup and Craftsman Truck racing series.