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SunTrust Proud To Be Official Bank of Snap-On Stars of Karting Series

April 10, 2006

ATLANTA (April. 10, 2006) – A new season begins this weekend for the young racers in the Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the IRL, and SunTrust is proud to play a role in helping shape the careers of its highly talented array of competitors as Official Bank of the series.

Having staked its claim as the "Official Bank of Motorsports" by virtue of its diverse portfolio of high-level racing partnerships that includes NASCAR, Indy Racing League and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series teams, events and facilities, SunTrust’s involvement with the Stars of Karting series reflects the company’s commitment to also help develop racing and business opportunities for the professional racing world’s future stars. Earlier this year, as part of its nationwide support of youth racing, SunTrust presented a $1,500 scholarship toward participation in the Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout to Caleb Loniewski of St. Louis.

"From the highest levels of professional racing to the entry-level Snap-On Stars of Karting series, SunTrust is committed to bringing its resources and initiatives to all corners of the racing community," said Craig Kelly, Corporate Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, SunTrust Banks, Inc. "Whether it’s entry-level motorsports, or the top divisions of sports car, motorcycle racing or the premiere venues of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, the IRL IndyCar Series or the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, SunTrust is there."

SunTrust’s ambassador to the young competitors in the Stars of Karting series is veteran sports car racer Wayne Taylor, whose brand new racing team bears his name and this season took on the responsibility of campaigning the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley in the Rolex Series. Taylor and veteran Italian driver Max Angelelli co-drove SunTrust to the 2005 Rolex Series championship. The team is back in championship form again this season, finding itself just one point out of the series points lead just three races into the 14-race schedule for 2007.

Perhaps no one in racing is more familiar with the motorsports banking expertise of SunTrust as Taylor, who worked closely with the company in developing his fledgling organization late last year.

"SunTrust understands the business of racing," said Taylor, who in addition to building his own team is heavily involved in developing the young career of his sons Ricky and Jordan. "They’ve turned the motorsports industry around by offering financing solutions that are in-tune with the complexities of racing. If it wasn’t for SunTrust, I can’t imagine the transition from veteran driver to team owner could possibly have gone more smoothly."

With a wealth of experience in operating as a driver and, now, a team owner, Taylor is also well aware of the need for prospective future driving stars to understand there is more to achieving a successful professional career than results on the racetrack. As such, Taylor has prepared a series of primers offering detailed advice to the young Stars of Karting competitors. Subject matter includes "Racing Strategy," "The Business of Motorsports" and "Youth Fiinancial Education."

"Young drivers need to understand that the business of motorsports is no different than any other business," Taylor said. "Likewise, the only way to succeed in the business of motorsports – and life, in general – is to have stable finances. A successful racing career in this day and age is so dependent on a driver’s performance off the track as well as on the track."

In addition to sponsoring the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac in the Rolex Series, SunTrust’s motorsports portfolio also includes Official Bank status of the Grand American Road Racing Association, as well as the Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway; title sponsorship of the IRL IndyCar Series race at Richmond, the SuTrust Indy Challenge; official partner of the Motor Racing Outreach; sponsor of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride; official partner of Michael Waltrip Racing in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series; and title sponsor of the SunTrust MOTO-ST motorcycle racing series.

To learn more about SunTrust, Official Bank of Motorsports and its specialized banking services go to http://www.suntrust.com/motorsportsbanking and http://www.suntrustracing.com/

Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League is based out of Seattle, Washington, sanctioned by the World Karting Association (WKA) and owned and operated by 1986 Indianapolis 500 champion and IRL IndyCar Series team owner Bobby Rahal, IndyCar Series driver Bryan Herta and veteran karting promoter Paul Zalud. http://www.starsofkarting.com/, http://www.worldkarting.com/.

Snap-on Tools Company, LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet at snapon.com. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis., and employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide.

Formed in 1996 by Tony George, Stars' presenting sponsor Indy Racing League provides the ultimate in wheel-to-wheel racing excitement through the IndyCar Series and Menards Infiniti Pro Series. The 2006 season marks the 11th year of competition for the IndyCar Series, the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in America. The 14-race schedule, featuring 11 ovals, two road courses and a temporary street circuit, consists of the most events in season history. The Indy Pro Series, an essential stepping-stone for drivers and teams striving to reach the IndyCar Series, will feature 12 races in 2006, including four events on road courses and two on street courses. http://www.indyracing.com/.