CHECKER SCHUCK'S KRAGEN RENEWS SPONSORSHIP AS NHRA'S OFFICIAL AUTO PARTS STORE

GLENDORA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2006) -- Checker Schuck’s Kragen (CSK Auto, Inc.) has renewed its sponsorship as the “Official Auto Parts Store�?? for NHRA, it was announced today.

The official status provides CSK Auto the opportunity to utilize the NHRA logo in advertising and promotional campaigns. Through the official program, CSK Auto also receives signage at all national events, and is featured in many NHRA-driven marketing initiatives.

“We know our corporate involvement with the NHRA and Firebird Raceway in our hometown of Phoenix works hard for us,�?? said Jim Schoenberger, vice president marketing for CSK Auto. “The NHRA fan base is right down the middle of the Checker, Schuck’s, Kragen Auto Parts customer demography and is a very real part of our continued growth as one of the leading automotive aftermarket retailers in the country.�??

In addition to its involvement with the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body, CSK Auto is the primary sponsor of both the Checker Schuck’s Kragen Chevrolet Monte Carlo Funny Cars owned by the Worsham Racing Team and also is the title sponsor of the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway outside of Phoenix.

“Checker Schuck’s Kragen has supported NHRA championship drag racing for many years and we are pleased that they have elected to return as the official auto parts store,�?? said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA. “CSK Auto has been instrumental in maximizing the NHRA’s exposure through innovative promotions and advertising campaigns across the country. The NHRA is eager to build on its successful business association with CSK Auto as the popularity of drag racing continues to reach unprecedented levels.�??

CSK Auto, Inc. is the largest retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the western United States and is one of the largest automotive aftermarket retailers in the nation. The company currently operates more than 1,260 stores in 22 states.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has more than 80,000 members nationwide and 140 member tracks.  The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series’ provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Program presented by AAA. The NHRA also offers the O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.