Aaron's, Reutimann team up in Cup, N'wide in 2009

CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Michael Waltrip Racing and Aaron Rents, Inc. 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 No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine with driver David Reutimann for 18 select Cup Series races. Aaron's will also sponsor the No. 99 Aaron's Dream Machine for 10 select Nationwide races with both Reutimann and Michael Waltrip splitting time behind the wheel.

"Aaron's 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 10th 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 Nationwide Series schedule in 2006. In 2007 and 2008, he competed full-time in the series with Aaron's while he also drove full-time in the 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 Nationwide Series and a top-10 finish in the Cup Series. "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."