CSK Auto Inks Multi-Year Endorsement Deal With Diamondbacks All-Star Luis Gonzalez

PHOENIX, May 15, 2003 -- Auto parts retailer CSK Auto, Inc. , which operates more than 1100 stores in 19 states under the Checker, Schuck's, and Kragen brand names, announced today they have agreed to terms with Arizona Diamondbacks All-star outfielder Luis Gonzalez, who will serve as a commercial spokesman for the company during the 2003 and 2004 calendar years.

Checker-Schuck's-Kragen Senior Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising Hal Smith said that Gonzalez will appear in print, TV, and radio ads for the company, principally during the Major League Baseball season, when CSK runs advertising with several teams in key markets. Primary among those is Phoenix, where the company has an important new sponsorship agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"Luis has exactly the right image for our company and our customers," said Smith. "He's more than a great ballplayer. He's a very positive role model for millions of young people, with a reputation as a solid family man and a leader on his team."

The fact that Mr. Gonzalez is articulate in both English and Spanish is seen as another plus by Checker-Schuck's-Kragen marketers. They believe he'll fit nicely into their aggressive Spanish-language advertising program, aimed at the company's heavily Hispanic customer base in several key markets. While all plans are not finalized, right now CSK is developing full-page ads for baseball game programs featuring Gonzalez promoting CSK's charitable child safety seat program entitled "Bring 'Em Home Safe!" Spanish and English TV and radio spots are also in the works, with air dates beginning next month.

Luis Gonzalez has batted .316 since arriving in Arizona in 1998. He led the Diamondbacks to the 2001 World Series, and had the game-winning hit in Game 7.