In the Pits- MB2

Nemechek joins Checkers®/Rally’s® in support of Operation Gratitude

U.S. Army driver Joe Nemechek has teamed with Checkers® Drive-In Restaurants in its continuing support of Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that prepares and sends care packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas.

To help kick off the Patriotic Drive, the double drive-thru chain donated $10,000 to Operation Gratitude at the NEXTEL Cup race at Richmond Inter-national Raceway.

“I am thrilled to be racing in support of such a worthy cause as Operation Gratitude,” said Nemechek, who will serve as a spokesperson for the Patriotic Drive. “The $10,000 that Checkers®/Rally’s® donated at Richmond was a great way to show our troops just how much we appreciate and respect them for all that they do.”

Operation Gratitude, a team member of America Supports You, is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. America Supports You is a national program launched by the Department of Defense designed to connect military men and women and their families to over 200 non-profit grassroots support groups across the country.

“Checkers/Rally’s is excited to kick-off the Patriotic Drive with Operation Gratitude and Joe Nemechek,” said Keith E. Sirois, President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. “This is a fun way to create excitement supporting this important initiative. And, as driver of the U.S. Army Chevrolet, Joe Nemechek plays a significant role in honoring and recognizing the courageous men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.”

The Patriotic Drive began May 8 and will continue through June 14, 2006. Gifts for military care packages can be donated at participating Checkers/Rally’s locations nationwide. All items collected will be used by Operation Gratitude to prepare and send individual care packages to military men and women deployed overseas. The group hopes to send 50,000 packages to arrive to the troops by the July 4 holiday.

“We are extremely grateful to Checkers/ Rally’s and Joe Nemechek for supporting Operation Gratitude,” said Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude. “Because of Checkers/Rally’s continued support and the recognition that Joe Nemechek brings to our organization, thousands of military men and women serving around the world will receive a care package and our well wishes this Fourth of July.”

Photo caption: From L to R: Roxie Merritt, Director of Integrated Internal Communications for Public Affairs, U.S. Dept. of Defense; U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Cowie; Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude; Keith Sirois, President and CEO of Checkers® Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.; Joe Nemechek, driver of U.S. Army Chevrolet