Waltrip ready to 'hook 'em Horns' at Texas

ATLANTA -- 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 Busch Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8.

The race 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 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 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."