Microsoft is sparing no expense to promote and distribute Xbox 360 shooter, including NASCAR sponsorship. Xbox Live Gold is going free from September 25-27 to allow open-access online play. When Halo 2 was released in November 2004, Microsoft made over $125 million in 24 hours–making it one of the biggest entertainment product launches of all time. With Halo 3’s release just two weeks away, Microsoft is trying everything to promote and distribute the Xbox 360 exclusive. Gamespot is reporting that From September 28-30, Microsoft will be holding its own Play and Win sweepstakes, which will hand out Halo 3-themed Xbox 360s and Zunes, amongst other prizes. The company will also be staging its own special, celebrity-studded launch Halo 3 events in New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle. It will also release unspecified launch-week content on Xbox Live Marketplace to commemorate the game’s launch.