SunTrust Grand American Racing Team

SunTrust Stakes its Claim as the Official Bank of Motorsports

Renewal of Role as the Official Bank of the Grand American Road Racing Association Highlights SunTrust's Expanding Motorsports Portfolio

HOMESTEAD, FL (November 18, 2006) -- SunTrust Banks, Inc., one of the largest commercial banking organizations in the United States, announced today its renewal as the "Official Bank of the Grand American Road Racing Association." The three-year extension serves as the cornerstone of SunTrust's burgeoning motorsports portfolio, one that extends from the pinnacle of sports car racing and reaches all the way to future racers competing in the Snap-On Stars of Karting.

In a press gathering at Homestead-Miami Speedway, SunTrust officials unveiled a multi-tiered platform of motorsports sponsorships designed to fuel growth across a variety of motorsports series. SunTrust pioneered motorsports banking through a strategic focus on providing financial support to the industry and its participants."

"Through multiple sponsorships in a wide array of racing-related endeavors, SunTrust has become the official bank of motorsports by 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 via the Snap-On Stars of Karting, the top divisions of sports car and motorcycle racing or the premiere venues of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the IRL IndyCar Series, SunTrust is there."

SunTrust's motorsports portfolio now includes:

SunTrust will continue to have a presence in NASCAR despite its decision not to renew as the "Official Bank of NASCAR."

"For over 50 years, SunTrust has played an integral role in the growth of NASCAR and in the growth of motorsports in general," said Jim France, founder of the Grand American Road Racing Association and a driving force behind SunTrust MOTO-ST. "SunTrust helped NASCAR become the strong and respected sanctioning body it is today. Now other racing endeavors such as the Grand American Road Racing Association and the new MOTO-ST motorcycle series are getting the same kind of backing from SunTrust that NASCAR received when it was founded in 1948."

"NASCAR has continued to grow beyond its Southeastern roots, and they should have partners whose marketing strategies reflect their national presence," said Kelly. "SunTrust wants to ensure that NASCAR's growth is not restricted by geography. Sponsorship activation for consumers needs to take place on a national level."

While not in NASCAR, one owner and driver fully aware of SunTrust's prowess in the motorsports banking field is Wayne Taylor. The two-time winner of the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona recently formed his own team in the Rolex Sports Car Series thanks to the unique financial services provided by SunTrust.

"SunTrust understands the business of racing," said Taylor, who campaigns the No. 10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley in the Daytona Prototype division. "They've turned the motorsports industry around by offering financing solutions that are in tune with the complexities of racing for a living."

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of Sept. 30, 2006, SunTrust had total assets of $183.1 billion and total deposits of $124.4 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides credit cards, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, equipment leasing and capital markets services. SunTrust's Internet address is www.suntrust.com