Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn Back in Action with Bobby Labonte at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Look to Take Second Trip to Victory Lane.

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- The last time driver Bobby Labonte got behind the wheel of the Econo Lodge/Rodeway Inn-sponsored No. 47 Chevrolet Silverado truck, he drove to victory. On October 29, Labonte and his primary sponsors, which once again will be Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn, hope for a repeat at the Atlanta Motor Speedway's Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS).

Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn previously sponsored Labonte's Morgan Dollar Motorsports truck on April 9 at the NCTS Kroger 250, at Martinsville Speedway. Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Cup Champion, captured his career first NCTS victory in that race.

"Our last sponsorship with Labonte showed us that NASCAR, country music and our economy brands go hand-in-hand," said Jim Dominey, director of programs and promotions for Choice Hotels. "NASCAR racing and country music reach folks across America, just like the Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands. Deciding to once again sponsor Labonte in a Truck Series race just made sense."

For the October 29 race, the trucks' special paint scheme will feature the Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotel brand logos along with up-and-coming country music star Julie Roberts as a part of the Chevrolet Silverado Celebrity All Star Program. Roberts will greet Labonte and his fellow NCTS competitors at driver introductions and sing the National Anthem just prior to the race.

A native of Lancaster, SC, Roberts is one of the fastest rising new stars in country music today. With chart-buster hits off her debut self-titled CD including "Break Down Here" and "Wake Up Older" -- an appealing blend of country and blues that both embraces country's heritage and reveals a fresh, contemporary sound -- Roberts' music is where art and commerce meet. Her emotion-soaked, sensuous debut CD is a stark contrast to the pop-country music that's so prevalent now. The music of Julie Roberts is raw and real, honest yet optimistic.

"It is a testimony to the strength of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the entire Chevrolet Silverado effort when you are able to get support--not just once, but twice--from an organization the caliber of Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotel brands," said Labonte. "I just hope I can bring home another win."

Chevrolet Silverado and MDM teamed to bring the All Star program to fans at five events during 2005. At each event, the No. 47 truck, driven by a Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver, has featured a special paint scheme showcasing a prominent musical artist.

Labonte has piloted the No. 47 Chevrolet All Star Silverado twice thus far in 2005. In March, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, he finished second by a mere eight thousandths of a second. He followed up with the above-mentioned win at Martinsville. Other 2005 All Star drivers have been Tony Stewart at Charlotte in May and Kevin Harvick at Richmond in September.

The green flag is schedule to fly for the Easy Care 200 at 3:00 PM EDT on October 29 with live television coverage provided by SPEED Channel. Both MRN Radio and XM Satellite Radio will bring the action live to fans over the airwaves.

For more information on Team Silverado in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program, log on to http://media.gm.com/division/gmracing/index.html.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 324,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Rodeway Inn hotels offer attractive rooms at a great savings at more than 150 locations. Complimentary Always Fresh... Rodeway breakfast, plus free local calls and free local weekday newspapers or USA TODAY provide added value to guests. Econo Lodge hotels offer guests good clean comfort.

With almost 800 convenient locations, Econo Lodge and Econo Lodge Inn & Suites feature affordable rates and its "Breakfast by Econo Lodge" complimentary continental breakfast.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in more than 40 countries under the Cambria Suites, Clarion, Quality, Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company's web site at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Quality, Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Always Fresh...Rodeway are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

(C) 2005 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.