NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jamie McMurray, of the #26 IRWIN Industrial Tools Roush Fenway Racing team, is joining forces with IRWIN Industrial Tools, a Newell Rubbermaid company, to conduct a nationwide search for America’s top tradesman. The IRWIN Ultimate Tradesman Challenge will launch in Texas on April 11 and follow the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series schedule into 14 racing markets throughout the United States, in addition to multiple non-racing markets around the country.

Seventy-five million adult NASCAR fans live in the United States and 27 percent of them earn a living by using tools on the job. IRWIN Industrial Tools is providing these consumers, and others, with the chance to become a millionaire. The Ultimate Tradesman grand-prize winner will receive a new 2007 supercharged Ford F-150 pick-up truck customized by Roush Performance, a dream barbeque with Jamie McMurray and the #26 IRWIN race team at their home, and the chance to win $1.26 million dollars.

“IRWIN tools and accessories are being used on job sites every day by tradesmen all over the country, so we figured, ‘Why not create a fun, but competitive contest where people can show off their skills?’” said McMurray. “Speed and precision are essential for success on the race track, and contestants in this promotion will need both of these attributes to be successful in the IRWIN Ultimate Tradesman Challenge.”

“Similar to that of a successful race team, Innovation and performance are two hallmarks of IRWIN Industrial Tools. In fact, our heritage is based on exceeding the expectations of the tradesman that uses our products. We created the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge to share our passion for tools and accessories with professional tradesmen and DIYers, and reach our end users where they work, play, buy and learn,” said Ira Gleser, marketing communications director for IRWIN Industrial Tools.

The Ultimate Tradesman Challenge will travel around the country from April through November making stops in the following NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race markets: Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, Talladega, AL, Richmond, VA, Charlotte, N.C., Pocono, PA, Kansas City, KS, Daytona, FL, Chicago, Watkins Glen, NY, Michigan, Dover, DE, and Fontana, CA. Additionally, local challenge events will be held in multiple markets across the country.

Contestants can visit local retailers and industrial distributors, Wednesday through Friday during race week, to enter the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge. Each participant will be asked to measure, mark and drill a piece of wood, using IRWIN tools, as quickly and accurately as possible.

Contestants with the 30 fastest times in the local market challenges will advance to regional events to be held in May (Charlotte), September (metro Los Angeles) or November (Texas). The three regional finalists will then compete against each other for the title of “Ultimate Tradesman” on November 11 during the Phoenix race weekend and the ultimate tradesman will be given a chance to win $1.26 million.

Local challenge event winners will receive race tickets to their local race and IRWIN apparel and merchandise. Regional challenge winners will receive a $10,000 cash prize, race tickets, an IRWIN racing jacket and an IRWIN tool bag filled with professional grade product.

The IRWIN Industrial Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge is another example of the company’s commitment to its distributor partners and end users. IRWIN is constantly seeking innovative and performance tested products to make the end user experience more productive and efficient. Steadfast in its dedication to NASCAR and their partnership with Roush Fenway Racing, IRWIN Industrial Tools returns to McMurray’s # 26 Ford for the 2007 season as the primary sponsor for eleven events, including races in Atlanta, Charlotte, Talladega and Daytona.

For a full event schedule and more details on the IRWIN Industrial Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, visit www.irwinchallenge.com.