Valvoline team adds to sponsor list.

Scott Riggs' MBV Motorsports team have signed Checkers Drive-In Restaurants to a five-race primary sponsorship deal for the latter part of the 2005 season in a deal that the soon-to-be sponsorless team hopes will carry over into 2006.

Starting this weekend at Indianapolis, Checkers brand Rally's will make its debut on the hood of Riggs' #10 Chevrolet in place of current backers and team part owners Valvoline, who will leave altogether at the end of the year.

"This is our first year as the Official Burger and Official Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR," says Keith Sirois, President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. "Halfway through the season, Checkers/Rally's has already realised tremendous brand exposure on a national basis.

"In addition, we have effectively integrated our sponsorships into our local, regional and national advertising messages for both consumers and franchising prospects," adds Sirois. "Now, we look forward to adding a primary sponsorship of the #10 car to our already strong sponsorship initiative."

In addition to Indianapolis, Checkers/Rally's will also provide primary sponsorship for the #10 team in the races at Bristol, Talladega, Atlanta and Homestead.

"While giving our brand significant exposure during these nationally televised races, the tracks featuring our MB2 sponsorship align strategically with our core Midwestern and Southeastern market footprint," said Richard Turer, Vice President of Marketing, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "We look forward to cheering on our new Checkers/Rally's racing team."

In addition to this primary sponsorship, Checkers/Rally's becomes an associate sponsor of MB2's #01 U.S. Army Team and driver Joe Nemechek. Checkers/Rally's also retains promotional rights with MB2 for the 2006 NASCAR season.

"We're thrilled that Checkers/Rally's has chosen to partner with MB2 as we strive to have a strong finish in 2005," said Jay Frye, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of MB2 Motorsports. "We look forward to making Checkers/Rally's first experience as a primary sponsor a memorable one and will continue to explore new opportunities for 2006."