NASCAR Event in Montreal

Patrick Carpentier to drive No. 99 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

Montreal, April 15th, 2009 – NAPA Auto Parts is proud to announce that Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier will be a competitor in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 as the NASCAR Nationwide Series crosses the border for the third year in a row to compete at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Parc Jean Drapeau, August 30th. Patrick Carpentier and NAPA Auto Parts entered into an agreement allowing the Canadian driver to be at the wheel of the No. 99 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry fielded by Michael Waltrip Racing.

The good news continues – Today, NAPA Auto Parts and Stock-Car Montreal announced that they have extended their agreement, making NAPA Auto Parts the primary sponsor for the event over the next three years until 2011.

“Patrick was our first choice, and we are undoubtedly very happy with this agreement. Not only is he from the region but his name is synonymous with talent, perseverance and sportsmanship wherever he performs,” said Robert Hattem, president and COO of UAP Inc. "It was a natural fit for us to offer Patrick the wheel for this event and allow the public to witness his unique know-how,” indicated Hattem.  

Patrick Carpentier, a native of Joliette (Quebec), scored his career-first pole award (2007) and finished second in both events at the 2.71-mile road course. This time around, the objective is for Carpentier to clench his first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory for NAPA in just his 12th career start.

“The quality of the car he is driving this year puts him in a great position to achieve this goal. I am proud that Patrick Carpentier will represent both Michael Waltrip Racing and long-time partner, NAPA Auto Parts in the NAPA 200. Our organization is looking forward to competing at the legendary Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in August,” concluded Hattem.

From his point of view, Carpentier is pleased to have the chance to race in front of his Montreal fans with the NAPA Auto Parts team: "By being the official race sponsor, it is clear to me that NAPA wishes more than anything the success of this important event for the City of Montreal. It is an honor to partner with such a talented team like NAPA. My greatest desire is to give the spectators and viewers a great performance that meets their expectations.”

The NAPA Auto Parts 200 is a stop on the NASCAR Nationwide Series circuit, one of the most important racing events in Canada. The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday August 29th and 30th at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal.

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Over a decade ago, Michael Waltrip established a modest family-owned NASCAR Nationwide Series team in Sherrills Ford, N.C., called Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR). In 2007 when TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) entered competition in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series, Waltrip established a strong partnership with Toyota to field three full-time Camrys at the pinnacle of the sport while maintaining the integrity of his championship caliber Nationwide team. Currently, MWR fields two NASCAR Sprint Cup and one Nationwide Series entry. MWR is also technically aligned with JTG-Daugherty Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Waltrip commenced the construction of a 140,000 sq. ft shop in which all four teams are housed today.  

NAPA is a subsidiary of UAP Inc., a Canadian leader in the distribution, merchandising and remanufacturing of automotive parts and replacement accessories for cars, trucks and heavy vehicles. Over the years, UAP has earned a reputation for product excellence, unsurpassed customer service, support and dynamic growth in all of its markets – a dynamism prompting profitable expansion from the very beginning in 1926 when the company was established as United Auto Parts Limited. Today, the company has more than 4,000 employees. UAP Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC).

Media Contact Information:
For UAPDanielle Tardif514 886-2524 For Patrick Carpentier Robert Desrosiers980 230-7786