ATLANTA, June 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership and Michael Waltrip Racing, Inc. of Sherrill's Ford, N.C., are pleased to announce the extension of their successful motorsports partnership through the year 2008. Aaron's will be identified as the primary sponsor on the No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Aaron's Dream Machine racecar for twenty-two Busch races each year of the agreement. Aaron's is also pleased to announce that in conjunction with the agreement extension, racing legend Michael Waltrip will remain the driver of Aaron's Dream Machine.
Aaron's and Michael Waltrip Racing first teamed together in the Busch Series six years ago, running a few races and producing commercials promoting the Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership concept. Since then, the relationship has expanded and together Aaron's and Michael Waltrip Racing have run a total of 79 races claiming three victories and four poles.
"What we have built together is phenomenal," said Ken Butler, President of Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership. "Michael Waltrip Racing has been an integral part of Aaron's marketing plans since 2000. The national exposure that Michael and the Dream Machine have gathered in that time cannot be measured in dollars and cents. We are very pleased with what we've achieved together and we look forward to continuing to build the Aaron's brand with Michael and his team."
According to Dream Machine driver Michael Waltrip, "Aaron's is a sponsor that uses their involvement in motorsports to inform consumers that dream products can be in their homes for the guaranteed lowest price. Ken Butler and his team are very involved and creative in their approach to marketing and advertising, and they know how to have fun while they do it. Aaron's style of reaching race fans would be an excellent model for any potential sponsor coming into the sport and I appreciate their partnership with Michael Waltrip Racing."
Aaron's 2005 motorsports sponsorship schedule will expand to include four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races with the No. 00 car and Kenny Wallace as the driver. Waltrip, in conjunction with Aaron's, has also formed a driver development team that will compete on both the USAR Hooters Pro Cup and ARCA Series. Ken Butler III has been signed as the team's driver.
Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership is a division of Aaron Rents, Inc. (NYSE:RNT), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and household appliances and accessories.