As the line-up of world class athletes participating in the Tyson Invitational gets more competitive, Tyson Foods is upping the competitive ante by offering $25,000 for each world record set during the event - instead of a prize-pool. This powerful incentive adds another level of excitement as fans anticipate this one-of-a-kind track and field meet, held on Friday, February 10 at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The third event of USATF's 2006 Visa Championship Series, the Tyson Invitational will be televised February 12 on ESPN 2 from 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

While experts are convinced that a world record will be set at this event - one of the fastest indoor track and field facilities in the world - they cannot predict who will rise to the challenge. The event will feature three athletes that currently hold #1 world rankings, while 16 boast top-10 world rankings.

"Given the level of talent coming to this year's competition, we are raising the stakes and offering $25,000 to each athlete that sets a world record," said Bob Corscadden, Tyson's senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We are confident that we will witness at least one record-breaking performance."

As the world's top track athletes train for the Tyson Invitational and strive to be the fastest in the world, track and field followers are rooting to see a new time set at the men's 300-meter, women's 60-meter dash and men's 400-meter dash.

The men's 300-meters promises to be a potentially history-making race. It is a one-and-a-half lap race that will showcase some of the bright young stars in the world of track and field. World Championships silver medalist and hometown favorite Wallace Spearmon (USA) will go head- to-head with indoor 400-meter world record holder Kerron Clement (USA). LaShawn Merritt (USA), who ranks fifth in the USA in the 400- meter will join the field, as does Omar Brown (Jamaica), who will look to make a name for himself in this race. They will all try to smash the world record of 32.19 set by Robson da Silva (Brazil) in 1989 and bring home $25,000.

The women's 60-meter dash - perhaps the best field outside the men's 300 meters - will have fans on the edge of their seat. Four of the top seven runners in the world at 100-meters and the nation's top high school sprinter will highlight the field. The feature shows two-time Olympic gold medalist and top ranked Veronica Campbell (Jamaica) against Lauryn Williams (USA). Both track stars have been facing each other since their collegiate days to the Olympics and World Championships. Bianca Knight of Ridgeland, Miss., who ran one of the nation's fastest times for a prep athlete on January 14 at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark., could be the contender to beat. For the first time at this top indoor track and field meet, fans will see tomorrow's stars challenging today's track and field sensations.

The men's 400 meters is set up to be another fast race as the world's fourth and sixth-ranked runners compete against the world's top ranked 400-meter hurdler. Chris Brown (Bahamas) will enter the competition as the favorite, just slightly ahead of Tyree Washington (USA). This year, Bershawn Jackson (USA) could be the wildcard, since he is known for his closing speed.

Tyson Foods is proud to sponsor such a competitive event where these athletes' performance is supported by protein's long lasting energy. Nothing delivers the strength and endurance as effectively as protein.

For more information on the Tyson Invitational please visit www.tysoninvitational.org.