Martin's rap anthem to debut at All-Star weekend

MARK MARTIN RAP ANTHEM SET TO DEBUT ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Concord, N.C. (May 19, 2006) - When it comes to musical taste, not many people know that Mark Martin, driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, is a big fan of rap music. Yes, that's right, rap. When he's not piloting the No. 6 Ford Fusion for Roush Racing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, Martin is listening to beats that fill the Billboard charts. With this knowledge, the owners of Round House Multimedia set out to produce what would ultimately become the official Mark Martin rap anthem, "Start Your Engines".

Derrick Garrett and Kevin Dent, owners of Round House Multimedia, contacted Sam Belnavis, Chief Diversity Officer and Owner Designate for the Craftsman Truck Series for Roush Racing, with the idea back in December 2005 in an effort to help build the diversity bridge.

"Rap is a universal language among the music population and Mark's anthem will certainly add to the popularity of the music," said Dent.

The project has now evolved into a two minute and 39 second song covering Martin's career dating back to the start of his career in Arkansas through the present time. With 35 NEXTEL Cup, 47 Busch and three Truck Series wins to date in addition to a record five IROC championships, recording artist Budda Early has plenty to rap about. Martin also maintains the record of most consecutive starts in the Cup series, currently at 591.

"Mark and I go back a long time," said Belnavis. "He was the first driver to drive the Miller High Life Gold race car during my Miller days. It's an honor to present Mark with his own anthem that will further immortalize his contributions to our sport."

As for Martin, he can't believe his career has been converted into a product that he enjoys.

"I consider it an honor that there are people in the rap music industry that feel I am deserving of my own rap anthem." Martin continued, "The song sounds great and I hope all my fans enjoy listening to it as much as I do."

The Mark Martin rap anthem will debut during the NEXTEL All-Star weekend (Martin won the 2005 event).

-rr