O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels this weekend, March 5-7 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

Regular admission to the 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels can be purchased for $16 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and children five and under are free.

Discount tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels are available at Chicagoland O’Reilly Auto Parts retailers. Regular adult admission is $14 and children’s admission is $4 if purchased in advance at O’Reilly Auto Parts. To see where the nearest O’Reilly retailer is, please visit www.oreillyauto.com.

Listen live to “The Kevin Moore Show” on WJJG-AM Thursday, March 4 to hear Kevin chat with Pete Toundas about what to expect at the March 5-7 show, including what celebrities will be there. “The Kevin Moore Show” runs weekly on Thursdays from 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Tune in to WGN TV’s Midday News on Thursday, March 4 for a sneak peek at the custom car show as very special NHRA racecar will be live in studio revving its engine as Championship Auto Show rep Bob Millard talks cars with the WGN crew.

The 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels held March 5-7, 2010 at its new location, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, Ill.), is positioned to be the largest show in the event’s long running history. This year’s show, presented by Denny Guest’s South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep and produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc. hosts 500 of the country’s best custom and restored cars. The show is open 3 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 5; 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, March 7.

New Features at O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
The O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is a weekend to remember with new features like Drag City USA, presenting a unique exhibit of nostalgic dragsters from The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Fla. Among them are Garlits’ personal collection of “swamp rats,” Connie Kalitta’s “Bounty Hunter” and Don Prudhomme’s 1970 Wynn’s Winder, known as “The Snake,” which some may remember as a Hot Wheels car. The dragster exhibit also features the Chi-Town Hustler and Hawaiian Funny Cars from Greg Mosley’s Mopar Museum Moline, Ill.

New this year is the Tuner Galleria featuring a collection of the finest European and Japanese modern muscle and sport compacts paired with live entertainment. A lifestyle aspect is also part of this exhibit, featuring fashion shows featuring PMGirls models, karaoke, dance competitions and more.
Formerly a show in itself, the popular Chevy VetteFest also is a new addition to the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, where the ultimate in original and restored Corvettes and Chevrolets compete for the Gold Spinner and Triple Crown Awards.

Guests can also enjoy 30-minute shows from the WheelieShow.com’s Streetbike Freestyle Stunt Team. The high-energy, breathtaking shows are held multiple times each day of the three-day event.

Celebrity Showcase, presented by SuperStart Battery
Celebrity appearances are always a popular feature at the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. The Celebrity Showcase, presented by Super Start Battery, features an all star line up including WWE Women’s Champion Melina Perez (Melina) from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, March 3. Joining the line up this year is also Chip Foose, legendary auto designer and star of “Overhaulin” on TLC who appears at the show from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. The kids will be happy to know that Disney actress Brenda Song from “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “Suite Life on Deck” joins the celebrity showcase from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 7.
Back by Popular Demand
Returning this year are popular exhibits including Cycle Rama, featuring more than 100 of the nation’s best custom built choppers; and MotoRama, showcasing traditional rods and customs including cars from the well-known “VooDoo Larry.”
Throughout the weekend, cars compete for the prestigious Legend Cup, sponsored by CleanTools. This award is given to the winning vehicle which best represents a combination of style, quality and craftsmanship during the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels weekend. The winner of the CleanTools Legend Cup is awarded a beautiful perennial cup and presented with a check for $5,000.

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels also hopes to combine the worlds of auto and art with the Chicago Brushmasters “Kustom Kulture Automotive Art Auction.” This live charity auction features several hundred professionally decorated pieces from artists around the country, and all proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The charity auction will have a special display of NHRA driver Ashley Force’s professional race car. At 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, the Chicago Brushmasters present legendary sign artist Art Dexter with the “Frank H. Atkinson Lifetime Achievement Award” for his innovation, mentoring and inspiration to the pinstriping community.

Committed to educating future generations about the automotive industry, the 5th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Student Day is held Friday, March 5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Participating students visit the show floor to see the vehicles and speak with sponsors and exhibitors before the event opens to the public, as well as earn complimentary access to all parts of the three-day show.

Tweet Us and Win!
Be sure to follow the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels show on Twitter for a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets. One lucky follower will win! Tweet us at @WorldofWheelsIL.

Visit the World of Wheels blog at www.worldofwheels.wordpress.com for schedule of events and appearances.