DETROIT, June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bayview Mackinac sail boat race -- sometimes incorrectly called the Port Huron Mackinac race -- gets a new name, new course ready for new world records and a new title sponsor as it launches its 83rd consecutive running of what is considered one of the most challenging sail boat races in the world.

The "Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race" will run on two new courses July 15-22, 2007 through Lake Huron from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. The race draws more than 250 global sailing yachts and more than 3,000 seasoned sailors from across Michigan, the Unites States and the world.

The new title sponsorship was announced by Jim Schebil, president, Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association, a group of 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeast Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron.

"This is recognized as one of the most challenging and exciting sail boat races in the world on one of the most unpredictable bodies of water in the world," Schebil said. "The Chrysler Jeep Superstores are proud to present another world class racing event steeped in decades of sportsmanship and family tradition."

Chrysler Jeep Superstores is also the title sponsor of the "2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup Race" - considered the "Super Bowl" of world power boat racing -- which runs July 13-15, 2007 on the Detroit River, south of Port Huron. The unlimited hydroplane boats skim on the top of the water covering a football field in less than a second at speeds of more than 200 MPH with 3,000 horsepower engines.

"Boat racing fans can now get double pleasure with both sail and powerboat racing on the Great Lakes between Detroit and Mackinac Island," Schebil said. "Each of our Chrysler Jeep Superstores has a long tradition of hometown involvement and community events. These races take that tradition to a regional level."

Lake Huron is one of the five "Great Lakes" which holds 20 percent of the world's fresh water. They are commonly known outside the U.S. as "inland oceans" due to their size, volume of water, extreme depths and sudden shifts in weather conditions -- all of which create some of the most demanding sail racing conditions in the world.

The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association has become the premier sponsor of Southeast Michigan family fun festivals, concerts and special events which include, in addition to these boat races: Downtown [Detroit] Winter Blast, Downtown Hoedown, Detroit Electronic Music Festival [Technofest], Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, Detroit Tigers Negro League Weekend, and the Chrysler Concert Series at Chene Park [on the Detroit River].

The "2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Bayview Mackinac Race" is produced by the Bayview Yacht Club, http://byc.com/. Official race Web site: http://byc.com/mack07/raceupdates.cfm.

The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is a group of 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeast Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. Web site: http://www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com/.

CONTACT: Juanita A. Davis or Leland K. Bassett of Bassett & Bassett,
Incorporated, for Chrysler Jeep Superstores, +1-313-965-3010; or Bruce A.
Babiarz for Bayview Yacht Club, +1-248-890-5030

Web site: http://byc.com/