Sponsor boost for Reutimann, Said.

David Reutimann and Boris Said both received boosts to their Daytona 500 bids on the eve of qualifying at the Florida superspeedway, with Aaron's agreeing to become the primary sponsor of Michael Waltrip Racing's #00 for the whole of 2009, and US Chrome joining Said's roster of backers.

Aaron Rents Inc agreed to increase its commitment with MWR and will now be the primary sponsor of Reutimann's Toyota for the entire 2009 campaign, rather that at selected races as previously arranged.

"Aaron's believes in NASCAR and Michael Waltrip Racing," said co-owner Waltrip, who pilots the #99 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, "We have consistently grown our relationship for the last ten years and, now, Aaron's is taking another step and increasing its sponsorship involvement to sponsor David Reutimann and his #00 Toyota Camry team for the entire Sprint Cup Series.

"We know times are tough right now, and we are blessed to have such great partners in Aaron's, NAPA and Toyota. They are why Michael Waltrip Racing exists. We will continue to fight hard to provide them with the results and exposure they deserve. We are certainly thankful for their continued support."

Aaron's has been the primary sponsor of Reutimann and the #99 Nationwide Series team for the past two seasons, and had previously agreed sponsorship for 18 of the 36 Sprint Cup races.

"Our experience with Michael Waltrip and his race teams over the years has proven that their programmes have tremendous marketing value for Aaron's." CEO Robin Loudermilk commented, "We are pleased that we can increase our involvement with Michael and David Reutimann and look forward to seeing the Aaron's Dream Machine on track all year."

"For Aaron's to step up its commitment at this level really says a lot about their confidence in this programme," Reutimann concluded, "It means so much to me personally to have the Aaron's Dream Machine colours on the #00 all year and I intend to do the best I can to represent their brand. Having full sponsorship will allow this team to focus on performance and that is what we will need to get to Victory Lane."

Said's Carter/Simo Racing entry, meanwhile, has added the US Chrome Corporation as a sponsor for his #08 ScottsMiracle-Gro Ford Fusion.

"We feel fortunate to have another outstanding company join our race team," offered Said, who is making one of a series of rare outings in the Sprint Cup, "We have a New England bonding - US Chrome is headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut, I'm a native of Stamford and our crew chief Frank Stoddard is from New Hampshire. If we qualify for the 500, I think we'll all get together and have a lobster feast!"

US Chrome has a history in motorsports, having owned Busch East and Busch South teams in the 1980s, both of which featured Stoddard as crew chief.

"Having US Chrome as a sponsor brings back many pleasant memories," noted the 15-time Cup Series race winner, "It's a great company, and we want nothing more than to give them, and all of our sponsors, a solid performance in Daytona."