Exhibit 16.1

Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549


April 16, 2002



Dear Sir/Madam:

We have read the first four (4) paragraphs and the last paragraph of Item 4
included in the Form 8-K/A dated April 16, 2002 of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with
the statements contained therein.


Very truly yours,


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP




Copy to:
Mr. Jimmie L. Wade
President and Chief Financial Officer
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.