Checkers(R)/Rally's(R) Raises Awareness at Indianapolis 500(R)

Double Drive-Thru Chain Expands its 'Official Burger' Activities - Presents $100,000 to Cure Autism Now Foundation

TAMPA, Fla., May 27 -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. , the nation's largest double drive-thru chain and "Official Burger" of the Indianapolis 500(R), is donating $100,000 to the Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation in a ceremony today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, prior to the Checkers(R)/Rally's(R) Pit Stop Challenge. The Team CAN sponsorship and check presentation is an expansion of Checkers/Rally's already successful partnership with the Indianapolis 500 and the Nextel Cup Brickyard 400(R).

"We are very pleased to announce that Checkers/Rally's has met its goal of raising $100,000 for this important cause," said Keith Sirois, President and CEO, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "I'd like to express my thanks to our customers who contributed to this charitable initiative by purchasing the collectible, Team CAN Cup at our restaurants and to our franchisees who actively participated in the program.

Sirois continued: "With additional support from Kelley Racing, FUEL, actor and spokesperson Anthony Edwards and driver, Sarah Fisher, we have been able to raise money and awareness for autism research, while furthering our relationship with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and motorsports fans everywhere."

The check presentation will take place today, Thursday, May 27, 2004, at 1:15 p.m. CT. The donation will be made prior to the Checkers/Rally's Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge, where pit crews compete for a piece of an $80,000 purse. The event is televised nationally on ESPN 2.

This is Checkers/Rally's second year as a category-exclusive sponsor of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition to the CAN donation and sponsorship, Checkers/Rally's is the Title Sponsor of the Pit Stop Challenge, an Indy 500 race week tradition, and the "Official Burger" of the Indianapolis 500, part of the IRL IndyCar(TM) Series. The Company is also the "Official Burger" of the Brickyard 400, a NASCAR(R) Nextel Cup event.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (www.checkers.com) is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States.