Alltel Wireless will bring the No. 12 Penske Racing Team closer to fans with an initiative that supports the company's My Circle calling feature.

My Circle 500 launched Feb. 24 as a national text-to-win promotion, giving race fans a chance to win up to $500,000.

"This promotion was created as a way to directly connect with [our] customers by making them part of the action," said Lucie Pathmann, director of marketing communications at Alltel, Scottsdale, AZ.

"The overall marketing campaign takes a very aggressive approach to utilizing the sponsorship of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge and the My Circle 500 delivers a truly one-of-a-kind experience," he said. "The My Circle 500 sweepstakes is also designed to generate awareness for Alltel's products and services."

As part of that promotion, 10 finalists will take their Circle of Friends on a paid trip to Charlotte, NC, on May 23-26 to tour the Penske Race Shop, meet the No. 12 Alltel Team, train like the pros and participate in an ultimate go-kart and pit crew challenge.

Alltel's Racing Podcast Series will also give fans an inside look at the No. 12 Alltel Team. It debuted Feb. 19 and features Ryan Newman, driver of the No.12 Alltel Dodge and host Brett McMillan.

A special Fan Center section on the site features the latest show car schedule and Mr. Newman's tips on how to dodge race-day traffic, special events and appearances and a guide to his favorite restaurants in the area.

Race fans can also tag their mobile phones with the latest Ryan Newman downloads or sign up to receive exclusive official text alerts and be the first to get race results. All they have to do is visit www.alltelracing.com or text RYAN12 to 141414.

In addition, fans can win racing memorabilia while supporting the Ryan Newman Foundation through an online auction at alltelracing.com.

This is the eighth season that Alltel is sponsoring Penske Racing and Ryan Newman's No. 12 Dodge.

"Since Alltel Wireless is the 'Official Wireless Partner of Fans,' we wanted to give fans the experience of participating in a race," Ms. Pathmann said.