NAPA Driver Michael Waltrip Represents Aftermarket at AAIA Summit

More than 300 People Turn Out to Meet Two-time Daytona 500 Winner

ATLANTA, Feb. 28 -- More than 300 legislators, staff and guests turned out to meet the driver of the NAPA #15 Chevrolet at a key automotive aftermarket legislative summit in Washington D.C.

NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, winner of this year's Daytona 500, helped represent the automotive aftermarket industry as elected officials attended the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association's (AAIA) legislative summit Feb. 25-26 at the Rayburn House Office Building.

NAPA AUTO PARTS is the primary sponsor of Waltrip and is an associate sponsor on the other two Dale Earnhardt Inc. cars driven by Steve Park and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Waltrip's appearance served as an important drawing card to help focus lawmakers and staff on key issues facing the aftermarket industry. The AAIA said this year's summit drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory.

The AAIA focuses awareness on a variety of issues important to the automotive aftermarket industry and the consumers it serves. Issues include consumers' access to quality automotive repair resources and asbestos litigation reform.

"NAPA is delighted that Michael's appearance helped draw attention among lawmakers to important issues in the automotive aftermarket," said NAPA President Steve Handschuh. "Michael represents NAPA AUTO PARTS, his team and the aftermarket industry with professionalism and poise. He serves as an important ambassador for the industry and for consumers. We are fortunate to have him as part of the NAPA team because he reflects NAPA's core values of quality and service."

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket.

NAPA AUTO PARTS maintains the world's largest inventory of aftermarket parts, accessories, tools and equipment offered through more than 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and nearly 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide. Learn more about NAPA and Michael Waltrip online at www.NAPAonline.com.