haven’t heard anything concrete on who will be Mark Martins new sponsor on the #6 Roush Racing Ford in 2006, a few that have been rumored include AAA, who have sponsored the #99 Roush Ford of Carl Edwards in a few races this season; and Georgia Pacific has been rumored, as they are leaving the #45 Dodge of Petty Enterprises. Georgia Pacific will also hold a press conference at Atlanta this weekend but AAA seems to be the front runner in the rumor mill.(10-26-2006)
UPDATE: AAA will become the primary sponsor of Roush Racings flagship #6 Nextel Cup Ford starting in 2006. In addition, veteran driver Mark Martin will extend his Salute To You Tour and return to pilot the car for one more year in 2006, with Todd Kluever set to take over the reigns from Martin in 2007, Roush Racing announced today. AAA is very pleased to be associated with the winning team of Roush Racing and Mark Martin. With the growing popularity of NASCAR, AAA is excited about its ability to contribute to the success of a sport that has captured the imagination and loyalty of tens of millions of fans, including many AAA members, said AAA President Robert Darbelnet. With more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada , AAA is North America s largest motor club and membership organization. The not-for-profit association is best known for its legendary roadside assistance, comprehensive leisure travel and information services and its support of improved traffic safety and other consumer issues.
Im real excited about AAA coming in with us, said team owner Jack Roush. As one of the most well known and respected names in the country, I think AAA can do a lot for the sport and be a cornerstone of our sponsorship group for years to come.
Its great to be partnered up with AAA, said Martin. They have a fantastic organization and a great reputation. My wife and I are both AAA members. Im excited about the services they provide to many of our fans and I am looking forward to working with AAA. Martin has finished second in the Nextel Cup standings on four occasions and is in the hunt this season for a run at the championship, currently sitting in seventh position as one of the 10 drivers eligible to win the chase. Mark Martin has built a solid reputation as gentleman and winner on and off the racetrack, said Darbelnet. He is someone in whom AAA has confidence when speaking about the advantages of membership and AAAs extensive highway safety activities.
In 2006, Martin will drive the #6 AAA Ford Fusion and then give way to Kluever in 2007. During the 2005 Nextel Cup Series, the AAA Auto Club Group was a primary sponsor of Carl Edwards #99 car. This experience gave AAA valuable first-hand knowledge of the benefits of participating in NASCAR with the Roush Racing team Im very excited to work with AAA, said Kluever. Its great to see them move into a full-time sponsorship with Mark and the No. 6 car next year and then with me in 2007. Its a dream come true for me and its great to have people here at Roush Racing and AAA that believe in me and Im very excited about the opportunity. I consider the No. 6 car to be one of the top-five most legendary cars in NASCAR history. I dont think that anybody will be able to replace Mark Martin. He has big shoes to fill, but Ill do my best to try. Its just very exciting to be in that No. 6 car and to be partnered with a great organization like AAA.(Roush Racing), see images of the car on my 2006 #6 Team Schemes page.(10-27-2005)
