This past Monday night, millions watched NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” as race fan Gary Cote and his family took television viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride in an attempt to become the show’s second million dollar winner. Cote, a native of Coventry, Rhode Island, was not only playing for the opportunity to help out his immediate family, but also his “extended” family of people he has quietly helped throughout his life. Cote also made no secret of his favorite sport, NASCAR, and his desire to vacation with his family and visit a NASCAR race, an opportunity he had only once before. While on the show, he was offered a race prize package from two-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Johnson’s offer included a trip for Cote to the 2009 Daytona 500, a pace car ride around the hallowed speedway and a Richard Petty Driving Experience. In the end, Cote didn’t walk away with either the million dollar grand prize or the NASCAR package. Cheerios is now making an offer that Cote can’t refuse. They are offering Cote and his family the opportunity to be guests of theirs and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker race team this weekend at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Cote and his family will be given suite and garage passes for Saturday and Sunday’s events. Cheerios will also give the Cote family the opportunity to meet their driver, Bobby Labonte. What is Cote’s answer to this offer? “Deal!” exclaimed Cote. Cote was given the offer after Cheerios learned of the generosity of Cote and his family. The Cheerios Racing team will meet Cote Friday evening and tour him and his wife and daughter around the track Saturday and Sunday.(General Mills/Breaking Limits PR)(9-13-2008)
