PHOENIX -- Best Western announced today that it is rewarding one lucky business traveler with the chance to swap jobs with racing superstar Michael Waltrip, and win a $ 1,000 travel card for a well-deserved vacation. This year marks the fifth year Best Western has teamed with Waltrip for the “Fan Swap”and the first time the contest will reward a frequent business traveler – or “Travel Hero” – for their long hours on the road.

Now through May 18, racing fans can go to www.bestwestern.com/fanswap and nominate themselves, or someone they know, to be the “Fan Swap” winner. Entrants should tell Best Western why the nominee is truly a “Travel Hero,” sacraficing time at home with friends and family traveling to earn a living. Entries should also explain why the winner deserves to win the Fan Swap grand prize, Waltrip traveling to the their hometown and “working” as they would, meeting with their co-workers, family, and friends.

“I travel more than 200 days a year so I understand first-hand what it’s like to be away from family while on the road,” said Waltrip. “This is my fifth time participating in the Best Western Fan Swap and I look forward to sharing some well-deserved fun with another ‘Travel Hero’.”

In addition to meeting with Waltrip, the grand prize winner will reveive a $1,000 Best Western Travel Card. The Travel Card can be used like cash at any of the chain’s more than 4,100 hotels worldwide for a much-deserved vacation.

“For this year’s ‘Fan Swap’ we want to remind everyone that business travelers are heroes to the people back home and show the appreciation for all they do,” said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “We’re thrilled to once again have Michael Waltrip, who is truly the ultmate road warrior, helping us to reward our lucky winner. “

For more details, including terms and conditions, visit www.bestwestern.com/fanswap.