Smarter Utility

[July 28, 2010]

Team Owner Richard Childress And Drivers Clint Bowyer And Jeff Burton To Lead Judging for The Hartford 200 Program

The Hartford has assembled a collection of driving heavyweights to help weigh in on its Hartford 200 program, which celebrates the deep connection Americans have with their cars and their own personal stories from the road. This blue ribbon panel, comprised of Richard Childress Racing drivers Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton and team owner Richard Childress, will spearhead the judging for The Hartford 200 and, coupled with the fans' voice, help one lucky person gain the checkered flag and cross the finish line.

Americans spend countless hours on the road. According to new research from The Hartford, today the average American worker spends almost 26 minutes commuting each way to and from work, but 52 percent of commuters said they would be willing to commute at least 45 minutes each way for a new job they were interested in. Unfortunately for some, they do not have a choice - numerous Hartford 200 entries detailed the significant amount of time spent in automobiles due to job commutes and other personal responsibilities.

"Given the tough economy, The Hartford is looking for a way to honor and help a few, very special hard-working Americans who depend on their cars to go the extra mile," said Mitchell Jawitz, vice president, The Hartford. "These stories exemplify the vital and emotional role that driving plays in a person's everyday life. There were some very difficult decisions made to get the list down to the final five."

The Hartford received thousands of essays from drivers, with five being named national finalists, including: Sarah Armour (Merriam, Kan.), Laura Burba (Pineville, N.C.), Polly Rowan (Olympia, Wash.), Shannon Santangelo (Peoria, Ariz.) and Donna Sitter (Sharon, Conn.). Starting today, fans can vote for their favorite at www.TheHartfod200.com. The winner will be chosen through a combination of the consumer vote, the blue ribbon panel and Hartford executives. Voting ends August 13, 2010.

The Hartford 200 winner will receive an incredible grand prize that includes a new Chevrolet Equinox, a hometown visit from The Hartford-sponsored Bowyer, a VIP race experience, and recognition in a special print advertisement in their hometown. Each of the other finalists will receive a $200 gas card and a signed memorabilia package.

The finalists have come from different walks of life, from different parts of the country and have different experiences and responsibilities, but one thing is certain - they spend a lot of time behind the wheel. A brief overview of the five national finalists' stories, include:

• Sarah Armour (Merriam, Kan.): Whether it's attending Special Olympics events for her son, transporting her 90-year old mother or driving to see her grandchildren, Armour feels her car provides meaning to her life and loved ones.
• Laura Burba (Pineville, N.C.): For the last four years, Burba has transported a group of senior tap dancers - the MsSteps - along with costumes, equipment and props for performances to senior luncheons, retirement and nursing homes, and other "gigs."
• Polly Rowan (Olympia, Wash.): A single foster mother, Rowan spends most of her time transporting kids to numerous vital appointments - therapy, support groups, doctors, court hearings, and also school and sporting events.
• Shannon Santangelo (Peoria, Ariz.): A mother of two, Santangelo spends a lot of time in the car with her daughters and believes it has been important in building memories for her and her family - and that her daughters learned their colors from the passing cars.
• Donna Sitter (Sharon, Conn.): Sitter transports her two special needs children to appointments several times a week, and, with a husband in the military who is away often, she understands the need for her vehicle to be reliable.

The Hartford is the primary sponsor of Bowyer's Richard Childress Racing No. 33 Chevrolet Impala for three Sprint (News - Alert) Cup Series races - Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in early May, this weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway and at Auto Club Speedway in California (Oct. 1) - as well as associate sponsor for the remaining 2010 events. The Hartford is also an associate sponsor of Burton in the Sprint Cup Series.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what's ahead, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

To learn more about The Hartford's auto insurance products, consumers can visit http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2010 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Bowyer drives the No. 21 Zaxby's Chevrolet in the 2010 Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the 2010 Camping World Truck Series and Tim George Jr. drives the No 31 RCR Development Chevrolet in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Ty Dillon, Sean Caisse, Ryan Gifford and Stephen Leicht are RCR developmental drivers in both asphalt and dirt track racing.

HIG-PC

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

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