Aaron’s to sponsor 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Races with Reutimann and
10 NASCAR Nationwide Series Races with both Reutimann and Waltrip

Para su divulgación inmediata:

CORNELIUS, N.C. (August 22, 2008) – Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and Aaron Rents, Inc. (NYSE: RNT) today announced the continuation of one of the longest sponsor and owner relationships in NASCAR. 

In 2009, Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, the largest division of Aaron Rents, Inc., will sponsor the #00 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Aaron’s Dream Machine with driver David Reutimann for 18 select races. Aaron’s will also sponsor the #99 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Aaron’s Dream Machine for 10 select races with both Reutimann and Michael Waltrip splitting time behind the wheel with a championship caliber team. 

“Aarons is more than a sponsor of Michael Waltrip Racing, they are a partner,” Waltrip said. “We have been together nearly a decade.  When our relationship began we were racing out of a shop behind my house. Their business has grown tremendously, as has our team. I am proud of our record together and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”  

The 2009 season will mark the 10th year that Waltrip has been an ambassador for the Aaron’s brand.

“We are proud to extend our relationship with Michael, David and MWR in 2009,” said Robin Loudermilk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aaron Rents, Inc. “As Aaron’s enters its tenth year of partnership with MWR, we look forward to continuing our alliance, which has been such a vital component of Aaron’s brand awareness and growth over the years.” 

“David Reutimann has shown tremendous advances in the Sprint Cup Series and has performed with championship form in the Nationwide Series and we are delighted to support him again next season.” added Ken Butler, President of Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership.  “Having Michael Waltrip get back behind the wheel of the Aaron’s Dream Machine is something our fans have been asking about for some time now, and we are pleased to be able to accommodate.”
 
Waltrip and Aaron’s provided Reutimann with the opportunity to run a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2006. In 2007 and 2008, he competed full-time in the NNS with Aaron’s while he also drove full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Michael Waltrip Racing. Aaron’s also supported his efforts as a primary sponsor for the first five Cup races this season. Now, Aaron’s is broadening their sponsorship with Reutimann, who has delivered their company one win, two pole awards, 12 top five and 27 top 10s in the Nationwide Series.
 
“I could not be more pleased that Aaron’s is back on board with us next year.” said Reutimann, who currently has one win, three poles, 14 top five and 30 top 10 finishes in the NNS and a top 10 finish in the NSCS.  “I love what this company represents and certainly enjoy carrying their brand and the Aaron’s Lucky Dog on my Toyota Camry. I appreciate their faith in me and our race teams and I will work really hard to put the Aaron’s Dream Machine in Victory Lane in both divisions. They have been a huge supporter of me, Michael and Michael Waltrip Racing and we’re looking forward to what’s in store for us next season.” 

The 28 combined NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide races will be announced shortly after the 2009 NASCAR schedules are released.

Sobre Aaron's
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores offer customers access to high quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers for sale or on a lease-ownership arrangement.  Customers have the option of buying their merchandise for an attractive cash price, or opting to lease their merchandise for even greater flexibility.  With a lease option, customers make modest monthly payments and have the immediate use of the items they need without waiting for credit checks or other delays.  Plus, Aaron’s will take care of delivery, set-up, repairs and more for the duration of a customer’s lease.  Aaron Rents, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has over 1,570 Company- operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada for the rental and sale of residential and office furniture, accessories, consumer electronics and household appliances.

About Michael Waltrip Racing
Over a decade ago, Michael Waltrip established a modest family-owned NASCAR Nationwide Series team in Sherrills Ford, N.C., called Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR). In 2007 when TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) entered competition in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series, Waltrip developed a strong partnership with Toyota to field three full-time Toyota Camrys at the pinnacle of the sport while maintaining the integrity of his championship caliber Nationwide team. In the midst of building three NASCAR Sprint Cup teams from the ground floor, Waltrip commenced the construction of a 140,000 sq. ft shop in which all four teams are housed today.