| Aaron's 312 Race Weekend in Atlanta |
March 19, 2005 – Atlanta, GA
The Aaron’s 312 at Atlanta Motor Speedway was another marketing success for Aaron’s this past weekend. The Aaron’s logo could be seen prominently inside and outside of the track with trackside billboards, banners, the Aaron’s 312 logo on the front stretch grass, and signage on one of the scoring pylons and, of course, the large Aaron’s display tent in the corporate display area in front of the speedway.
At the display, race fans were treated to Aaron’s Dream Girls and dancing entertainment, free giveaways and an opportunity to register for our 50th anniversary grand prize. We also showcased many of our Dream Products throughout the tent, educating consumers on the products and services we offer. We collected almost 5000 solid leads over the weekend from potential customers throughout the country.
Aaron’s VIP guests featured Atlanta Falcon ProBowl running back, Warrick Dunn who gave the “start your engines” command to the drivers, along with our own Charlie Loudermilk who served as our official starter to help celebrate Aaron’s 50th anniversary. Charlie Loudermilk Jr. actually got to wave the green flag from the flagstand. Country music artist Teresa Wade did an excellent job singing our National Anthem.
The weather was beautiful Saturday and the grandstands were full of race fans and Aaron’s employees who were anxious to be a part of the drama of twelve extra miles. Michael Waltrip brought the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine and qualified 29th for the event after struggling with a loose racecar.
The race got off to a slow start as a crash on the first lap brought out the caution flag, but that was just the beginning of the drama. There were eight caution flags during the event and over 20 different lead changes over the 203-lap, 312-mile race. Waltrip ran most of the day around the 20th spot until the last pit stop on lap-183. New tires and a chassis adjustment brought the Dream Machine to life and Waltrip moved through the field and collected a seventh place finish. |
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Carl Edwards won the Aaron’s 312 after passing Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne with 10-laps to go. This was Edwards first Busch series win and was highlighted by his signature “back-flip” off of his car at the start/finish line. Charlie Loudermilk and Warrick Dunn presented Carl with the trophy in Victory Lane. Edwards also won the Cup race on Sunday completing a “sweep” at Atlanta that very few drivers have ever accomplished.
Carl Edwards won the Aaron’s 312 after passing Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne with 10-laps to go. This was Edwards first Busch series win and was highlighted by his signature “back-flip” off of his car at the start/finish line. Charlie Loudermilk and Warrick Dunn presented Carl with the trophy in Victory Lane. Edwards also won the Cup race on Sunday completing a “sweep” at Atlanta that very few drivers have ever accomplished. |
Aaron’s would like to thank all of the employees and guests who attended and helped make the Aaron’s 312 a success and to the volunteers who gave their time and effort supporting our program in the display tent, hospitality and transportation.
Our next events include the Aaron’s Dream Seat promotion at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) April 2 and 3, Michael Waltrip and the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine return for the Busch race at BMS April 2, and Ken Butler III returns to USAR Hooters ProCup racing at Greenville Pickens Speedway in Greenville, SC on April 2. The Talladega Aaron’s Dream Weekend is also right around the corner featuring the Aaron’s 312 at Talladega NASCAR Busch Series race April 30 and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race May 1.
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