CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 29, 2004--2003 Motorock Trans-Am Series Rookie of the Year Jorge Diaz, Jr. will sign autographs and meet with fans Wednesday, June 30 from noon to 1 p.m. at U.S. Bank's Clark 25th Office, 3104 West 25th Street in downtown Cleveland. Diaz, who hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico, drives the No. 8 Puerto Rico Grand Prix Jaguar XKR in the Trans-Am Series.

Diaz came into last season a rookie and left a veteran. He finished fourth in the championship last season on the merit of two podium finishes, four top fives and nine top-ten finishes in 11 starts. He is appearing at the U.S. Bank location in support of its commitment to the surrounding Hispanic community.

"We are privileged to be invited to take part in this event," said Diaz. "We won the rookie title last year. That was our goal. This year, my goals are set squarely on becoming Trans-Am's first Puerto Rican Drivers' Champion in its 39-year history."

"We are extremely excited for the opportunity to host an autograph session with Jorge Diaz, Jr. at our West 25th branch as part of U.S. Bank's commitment to the Hispanic Community in Greater Cleveland," said Tom Zirbs, senior vice president and regional manager of retail banking in Northeast Ohio. "We look forward to welcoming Jorge, as well as the other drivers that will be competing over the course of three days at the 23rd annual U.S. Bank Presents the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland."

Diaz, along with rest of the stars of the Motorock Trans-Am Series, will compete in the Trans-Am on the Tarmac, part of the U.S. Bank Presents the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland at Burke Lakefront Airport July 1-2. The Trans-Am race is scheduled for Friday, July 2 at 5 p.m. The Trans-Am Series is part of a full weekend of racing, featuring the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered By Ford, and also includes the Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama and Formula BMW USA.

The Motorock Trans-Am Series features closed-fendered, production-based, V-8-powered sports cars, competing on permanent road courses, and temporary street and airport circuits throughout North America. The Trans-Am Series is America's oldest continuously running road racing series and celebrates its 39th year of competition in 2004.

    CONTACT: Trans-Am Road Racing Series
             Justin Anderson, 704-348-9400
             Cell: 704-589-2100

    SOURCE: U.S. Bank