• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, August 20, 2008

NBC is turning to NASCAR to drive tune-in for the premiere of its "Knight Rider" remake this fall. In a race this weekend, one of the cars will serve as a promotional vehicle as it is re-branded as the "Knight Rider" Ford.

The car's "paint scheme" will plug the power and special functions of the Ford Mustang that serves as the linchpin KITT car in the series. NASCAR driver Travis Kvapil's suit will carry the show's moniker as well.

Kvapil, one of NASCAR's top 25 drivers (number 23), has a six-race deal for Hitachi Power Tools to sponsor his car. But apparently, there was an opening for NBC this Saturday for the Tennessee race that is part of the high-profile Sprint Cup Series.

The deal involves Kvapil's team owners, Yates Racing, as well as NBC and Ford. "Knight Rider" premieres Sept. 24 on NBC, and the network has high hopes for the series after a movie reviving the 1980s icon aired last season to some success.

NBC CMO John Miller said the race Saturday "exemplifies the adrenalin and action the 'Knight Rider' series will deliver and illustrates the strength and compatibility of our sponsor partnership with Ford."

The race will be televised by ESPN.