(Talladega, AL  April 30, 2006) – Before an estimated crowd of 75,000 fans, driver Martin Truex Jr. won the Aaron’s 312, posting his first NASCAR Busch Series victory.  Winning at Talladega is nothing new for Truex and nothing new for Aaron’s, either, as the Company made its huge annual marketing splash throughout the Superspeedway.

Michael Waltrip poses with 6-year old Benee Calderon and his 14-year old brother Ruben.  Benee submitted the winning coloring contest design which was recreated on the No. 99 Aaron's Dream Machine during Aaron's 312 Busch Series race at Talladega.

Thousands of race fans visited the Aaron’s temporary store and associates have geared up for the heavier traffic today’s Aaron’s 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race will bring.  Today is a special to Aaron’s for another reason as long-time driver Michael Waltrip celebrates his birthday at Talladega.

“My birthday wish is for a solid starting spot and finish in both races for my sponsors,” said Waltrip. “We knew it would be somewhat of a challenge in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series without factory support, but we thought we could survive. Talladega will be a big part of that. We’re in the mode of patching up what’s been going wrong. I never dreamed we would be outside the top-35 in points.”

One thing that will brighten Waltrip’s birthday is that his good friend and platinum-selling singer/songwriter Edwin McCain is scheduled to be at Talladega this weekend. McCain is performing the National Anthem in support of his new album released recently that is titled “Lost In America,” which includes his single “Gramercy Park Hotel.”

“I'm thrilled that Edwin's going to be there,” said Waltrip. “I’m really looking forward to hanging out with him. He’s a good friend and a phenomenal singer. He just released his new album.”

Edwin will make an appearance at the Aaron’s temporary store today at 11:15am to sign autographs for fans.  Waltrip will also stop by before the race to collect the huge birthday card fans have been signing for him since the start of Dream Weekend.

Aaron’s 499
With a successful qualifying run yesterday, No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Driver Hermie Sadler will start today’s Aaron’s 499 race in the number 24 position ahead of such names as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Petty, Kasey Kahne and 16 other drivers.  Sadler is looking for his first Aaron’s 499 win at Talladega.

Coverage of Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 begins live on FOX at 3:00pm Eastern time.  Ken Butler will again be on stage along with several Aaron’s VIP’s and the celebrity Grand Marshal for the Aaron’s 499 and star of the upcoming movie “Talladega Nights:  The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”  – popular actor Will Ferrell.