No. 99 Aaron’s University of Texas National Championship Dream Machine prepares for special run at “The Great American Speedway”
(Fort Worth, TX April 6, 2006) – There’s nothing Texans love more than a winner. Especially when that winner is one of their beloved University of Texas teams. And Michael Waltrip - himself an 11-time Busch series winner – is hoping to ride that Texas love into Victory Lane as he prepares to race the No. 99 Aaron’s University of Texas National Championship Dream Machine during a one-time only appearance at Texas Motor Speedway during this weekend’s NASCAR Busch Series O’Reilly 300.
More than 150,000 fans will fill the stands on Saturday to see Waltrip steer the Longhorns’-themed vehicle through the speedway’s 24-degree high banked corners that regularly allow drivers to exceed speeds of 200 mph.
According to Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership President Ken Butler, “Aaron’s is proud to be associated with two premier sports franchises – the University of Texas Longhorns and Michael Waltrip Racing. This was a great opportunity to bring those entities together in a way that has created a huge level of excitement for our associates and our customers throughout Texas and beyond. Fan reaction to the UT Dream Machine has been overwhelming and we’d like to thank everyone who has come out to visit the show car as it tours throughout Texas.”
Michael Waltrip is ready for this Saturday’s race stating, “I just can’t wait to behind the wheel of that Dream Machine and bring a thrill to the Texas fans in recognition of their football teams’ truly amazing season. They were an inspiration to me and this is a real honor. I’m thankful to Aaron’s for giving us the chance to be involved in this. ”
In addition to Waltrip manning the wheel of the UT-themed vehicle, the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine UT paint scheme will be recreated as a limited edition 1/24-scale die cast model car that fans may purchase at select Aaron’s locations throughout Texas. Those wanting to see a full size version of the vehicle will be able to view the replica show car as it makes appearances throughout Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores in Texas.
The Longhorns’ National Championship Dream Machine show car will appear at the following Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership locations the week of April 10:
April 10 Ft. Worth, TX
April 11 Irving, TX
April 12 Irving, TX
April 13 Ft. Worth, TX
April 14 Sulphur Springs, TX
April 15 Longview, TX
Fans can call 1-800-950-7368 to locate the Aaron’s store where the show car will appear.
University of Texas officials are enthusiastic in their support of the vehicle. UT Head Football Coach Mack Brown said, “This is a real tribute to our football team and to the fans and supporters of the University of Texas. With the tremendous exposure NASCAR receives, this race will provide great visibility not only for us but also for college football’s National Championship. Michael Waltrip’s a winner, and it will be an honor for the Longhorn logo to be riding with him, in our home state, in a race of this caliber.”
Aaron’s 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. (NYSE: RNT) is a leader in the sale and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances, now with over 1,200 Company-operated and franchised stores in 46 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Company also manufactures an exclusive line of furniture, bedding and accessories at 10 facilities in four states.
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Contacts:
Rich Lamprey
Sports Marketing Director
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership
678-402-3624
Mark A. Rudnick
Vice President, Marketing
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership
678-402-3470
