On Dec. 22, 2008, NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion and Kansas native Clint Bowyer took delivery of his Beechcraft Premier IA, the world's fastest and most technologically advanced single-pilot business jet. With a cruising speed greater than 520mph - 50mph faster than its nearest competitor - the Premier IA is the only light jet in the world that satisfies Bowyer's need for speed. While in Wichita for the delivery, Bowyer toured the Hawker Beechcraft manufacturing plant and signed autographs for employees.

"The speed and efficiency of the Beechcraft Premier IA is a perfect match for high speed NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer - he can now go fast on the racetrack and in the skies," said Brad Hatt, president, commercial aircraft. "With its unmatched performance and efficiency, impressively spacious cabin and long list of passenger amenities, the Premier IA is the perfect airplane for Clint and his accelerated lifestyle."

The Beechcraft Premier IA delivers the performance and capabilities of a much larger jet while providing the economy and efficiency normally found in light jets. It has the largest cabin in its class - at nearly 30 percent larger than what you find in its nearest competitor.

As the first and only composite fuselage light jet on the market, the Premier IA's composite structure has unprecedented structural strength, efficiency and extremely high resistance to fatigue and corrosion. Its fully integrated state-of-the-art avionics suite combined with the quietest cabin and lowest operating cost makes the Premier IA the best value light jet on the market.

Bowyer will also have the very best in service and support. In an unprecedented two years in a row, the Premier was ranked No. 1 for quality aircraft service and support in a Professional Pilot Corporate Aircraft Product Support survey.

"As a NASCAR driver, I have a very demanding schedule that takes me from coast-to-coast on a regular basis," Bowyer said. "My new Premier IA will allow me to operate more efficiently and effectively. I am proud to own an airplane made in my home state of Kansas. It was great to see many NASCAR fans at the factory and I thank them for their work on this superior aircraft."

Bowyer is a three year veteran of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series finishing in the top five in 2007 and 2008. He drives a Chevrolet Impala for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Bowyer, who grew up in nearby Emporia, Kan., signed with RCR in 2003 and quickly ascended to the highest level in motor sports. He has two career victories in the Sprint Cup Series.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft - designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company's headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K. and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with the largest number of factory-owned service centers and a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.