FIRST UNION TO SPONSOR
SIX HOURS OF THE GLEN




 WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- First Union, the nation's sixth largest bank, has joined
forces with Watkins Glen International to sponsor the road racing circuit's
1996 season opening weekend and to begin a new tradition in American sports car
racing.
 The First Union Six Hours of the Glen, June 7-9, revives the tradition of the
international world class endurance races held at the circuit from 1968-81. The
Fords, Ferraris and Oldsmobiles of the IMSA Exxon World SportsCars join the
Porsches, BMWs and Oldsmobiles of the Exxon Supreme GT series in six hours of
action on the Glen's 3.4-mile Grand Prix Circuit.
 Top international drivers expected for the First Union Six Hours include
defending Watkins Glen winners James Weaver and Butch Leitzinger, plus Daytona
Rolex 24 winner Wayne Taylor, Hurley Haywood, John Paul Jr., Max Papis, Ross
Bentley, David Donohue, Pete Halsmer and Craig T. Nelson.
 "We welcome First Union as the title sponsor as we renew an exciting tradition
in sports car racing," said John Saunders, President of Watkins Glen
International. "First Union  has a proven track record as a leader in the
financial services industry, and we are looking forward to a long and mutually
beneficial partnership."
 First Union recently completed a merger with First Fidelity Bancorporation of
Newark and Philadelphia, which created America's sixth-largest banking company.
The result of the merger now has First Union stretching 1,400 miles along the
Eastern U.S.
 First Union is a $132 billion-asset financial services company with a
leadership position in key markets. Its 45,000 employees serve 11 million
customers at 2,000 retail offices. First Union provides full-service banking,
commercial banking and trust services in 12 eastern states and Washington, D.C.
First Union supplies other financial services, including access to the capital
markets, mortgage banking, home equity lending, leasing, insurance and
securities brokerage services.
 "The inaugural running of the First Union Six Hours of the Glen marks a return
to the classic endurance racing tradition at Watkins Glen that has served as
the context for so many incredible racing moments," said Pat Reily, Vice
President of First Union. "By hosting the comeback of the Six Hours of the
Glen, First Union will ensure that this incredible racing heritage lives on.
This has been an exciting year for First Union -- moving into new territories
with the merger with First Fidelity -- and our partnership with Watkins Glen
International will continue to add to the excitement for First Union and our
customers."
 The First Union Six Hours of the Glen weekend opens for practice and
qualifying on Friday, June 7. Saturday's schedule includes final qualifying for
the First Union Six Hours of the Glen, plus a three-hour race for the IMSA
Endurance Championship. Sunday's racing opens with the new Slick 50 Pro Series,
with the First Union Six Hours taking the green flag at 11 a.m. Following the
feature race, the 1996 edition of One Lap of America begins with a two-lap time
trial on the Glen's NASCAR Course.
 Tickets are now on sale for the First Union Six Hours of the Glen. For
additional details, including advance discount prices, call (607) 535-2481, or
visit the Glen's official web site at http://www.theglen.com.

Media Contact: J.J. O'Malley (607) 535-2486, ext. 207; FAX: (607) 535-7854 
Compuserve: 73771,531; E-Mail: 73771.531@compuserve.com