ATLANTA, March 21, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aaron Rents, Inc., the nation's leader in the rental, sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced that 11-time Busch Series winner Michael Waltrip will commemorate the University of Texas football team's National Championship victory by decorating the No. 99 Aaron's Dream Machine in a special UT paint scheme during the upcoming NASCAR Busch Series race Saturday, April 8, 2006.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2465
The race, scheduled for UT-friendly Texas Motor Speedway, will top off a unique collaborative effort among Aaron's, Michael Waltrip and UT's multimedia rights vendor, Host Communications/Longhorns' Sports Network.
In addition to Waltrip manning the wheel of the UT-themed vehicle, the No. 99 Aaron's Dream Machine UT paint scheme will be re-created 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 a replica show car set to make appearances throughout Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership stores in Texas. The Longhorns' National Championship Dream Machine will also be featured during the Spring Football Jamboree at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 1.
According to Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership President Ken Butler, "The championship paint scheme on our NASCAR Busch Series car is an excellent way to promote two of Aaron's premier partners -- Michael Waltrip Racing and the University of Texas -- and to honor what the UT football team accomplished by going undefeated during the 2005 season."
Michael Waltrip agreed with Butler adding, "It doesn't get any better than driving the Longhorns National Championship Dream Machine in their home state of Texas. I know Texans are proud of their football teams, and it is an honor for me to pay tribute to one of their best."
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."
The Longhorns' National Championship Dream Machine show car will appear at the following Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership locations between March 29 and April 15:
March 29 Cleveland, TX
March 30 Tomball, TX
March 31 Katy, TX
April 1 UT Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
April 3 Elgin, TX
April 4 Bastrop, TX
April 5 Cedar Park, TX
April 6 Austin, TX
April 7 Lewisville, TX
April 8 Richland Hill, TX
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
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.
The Aaron Rents, Inc. logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1554
CONTACT: Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership
Rich Lamprey, Sports Marketing Director
678-402-3624
Mark A. Rudnick, Vice President, Marketing
678-402-3470
www.shopaarons.com
Michael Waltrip Racing
Brooke Hondros
704-799-0880
www.michaelwaltrip.com
Host Communications
Matt Preece
512-478-1833 x12
University of Texas
Nick Voinis, Senior Associate Athletics Director
512-471-2151