Knights Inn Brand Backs Driver Mike Bliss in NASCAR Truck Series

The 2002 NASCAR racing season has sparked the marketing efforts of Knights Franchise Systems Inc., which announced its season-long sponsorship of the #16 Chevy entry with Xpress Motorsports and driver Mike Bliss in the 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Under the terms of the sponsorship, Knights Inn logos will appear on the truck and crew uniforms. Also, the crew will stay at Knights Inn hotels within 25 miles of race locations and Mike Bliss and his truck will appear at the Knights Inn brand conference May 6-9 in Dallas.

"Having previously participated in other forms of racing, the Knights Inn brand knows that race fans are very brand loyal," said Lori Smith, Knights Inn director of marketing. "We felt that the NASCAR Truck Series was an excellent place to reach potential new customers. The Knights Inn brand is thrilled to be involved with such a competitive racing effort, as well as with Mike Bliss' team."

Smith said the sponsorship is expected to significantly increase the budget chain's visibility, helping promote the brand's operating philosophy and service culture, "Every Knight. Just Right" to thousands of potential new guests.

The Knights Inn motor sports agency, Indianapolis-based Just Marketing, assisted in securing the racing benefits package. Just Marketing will also coordinate the ongoing development and program management of the sponsorship.

Knights franchise Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD), is a budget lodging chain of more than 220 franchised properties in the United States and Canada.