NAPA-Sponsored NASCAR Winston Cup Team Wins EA Sports 500

Michael Waltrip pilots No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet to victory at the Talladega Superspeedway

ATLANTA, Sept. 29 -- Edging out teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., by a car length, Michael Waltrip helped secure another victory for the NAPA AUTO PARTS Motorsports Program as he drove the No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet to victory at the EA Sports 500 on the Talladega Superspeedway. This marks Waltrip's fourth NASCAR Winston Cup victory in three years.

The EA Sports 500 win is the second NASCAR Winston Cup victory this year for the NAPA-sponsored Dale Earnhardt, Inc., (DEI) team and the NAPA AUTO PARTS Motorsports Program. Drivers from DEI have won nine of the last 12 restrictor-plate races at Talladega and Daytona.

Waltrip's No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet was the only car at Talladega to use a newly approved escape hatch in the roof. The hatch, which is approved by NASCAR, provides drivers a security exit in case of a crash or fire.

"Michael Waltrip's commitment to excellence correlates well with NAPA's dedication to providing the highest quality products, service and people," said NAPA President Steve Handschuh. "We are proud of Michael, and of our association with DEI and NASCAR. We look forward to continuing our relationship with these quality organizations."

NAPA has been involved in auto racing for more than 25 years. Its relationship with DEI began in 1996 with NASCAR's Truck Series, and progressed into the Busch Series and later the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

Waltrip, a member of one of NASCAR's legendary racing families, has a distinguished career in auto racing. The Owensboro, Ky., native has four NASCAR Winston Cup victories, including three wins at the Daytona International Speedway, his most recent being the Daytona 500 in February 2003. Waltrip is currently ranked 11th in the Winston Cup point standings.

NAPA AUTO PARTS maintains the world's largest inventory of aftermarket parts, accessories, tools and equipment offered through 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and more than 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide.