Reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion, and legendary NASCAR Winston Cup driver Bobby Hamilton has partnered with the Cendant Marketing Group -- which includes Trilegiant Corporation and Progeny Marketing Innovations -- as celebrity spokesperson for the group's AutoVantage discount automobile membership club.

Under the agreement, AutoVantage has launched a series of monthly columns,called "In The Drivers Seat With Bobby Hamilton," to promote awareness of its comprehensive automobile benefits.  The columns will offer driving tips, automotive maintenance tips, new and used car buying tips and advice on keeping your car in championship condition.

"I'm excited about joining the race with this innovative automotive membership club," Hamilton said.  "Together, we will shift into high gear and strive toward the highest driving standards in America. We are steering into a brand new era in customer service.  Jump into my 'In The Drivers Seat' column in the coming months for the latest in auto advice."

In 2004, Hamilton won four Craftsman Truck Series races in the No. 4 Dodge, notching a series-high 12 top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes to claim the series championship trophy.  He is currently vying for the 2005 chammpionship in his No. 04 BHR Dodge.

Hamilton began his NASCAR Winston Cup career in 1991 by claiming the Rookie of the Year title, and then cruised to four Winston Cup victories, 20 top-five and 67 top-10 finishes over a 12-year stint.  He joined the NASCAR raftsman Truck Series full-time in 2003.

Hamilton, 47, is a native of Nashville, Tenn., and operates his own "shop" in nearby Mt. Juliet, Tenn., where he employs more than 40 racing professionals.  Hamilton is presently owner of three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entries, all boasting the Dodge brand.

"We are thrilled to be soaring to new levels through our relationship with Bobby Hamilton, an icon in the racing industry," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage.  "This brings together two very strong brand names in the automotive world  ...   Bobby Hamilton and AutoVantage."

AutoVantage saves on everything from maintenance discounts to 24/7 emergency roadside assistance to travel -- and even offers a unique auto repair hotline service that delivers repair advice from independent, ASE certified mechanics.

AutoVantage offers car-care savings from 5 to 20 percent off sales and regular rates at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO,Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included, as well as advice on buying new and used cars.