NASCAR and Kelly Clarkson Announce Unprecedented Partnership

Press release
Source: Rogers & Cowan

Kelly Clarkson

With the deal, the largest and most comprehensive NASCAR has ever forged with an artist, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning Clarkson will be integrated into all aspects of NASCAR, including an at-track concert, TV spot, charitable endeavors, and NASCAR’s Awards Dinner. 

The relationship will kick off on Sunday, February 18, 2007, prior to the Daytona 500, where Clarkson will headline the NEXTEL Tribute To America live on FOX. The event salutes music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Daytona International Speedway’s historic five-acre tri-oval area. 

During her appearance at Daytona, Clarkson will film a 30-second “NASCAR, How bad have you got it?” television spot that will combine footage of her Daytona 500 performance with actual race footage. Airing throughout the 2007 season on FOX, TNT, ABC, ESPN and SPEED, the spot will also feature a new song from Clarkson's hugely-anticipated third album, due mid-year.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a race fan and love NASCAR,” said Kelly Clarkson.  “It’s been cool doing things with NASCAR in the past and I’m honored to have the opportunity to play such a huge role for the sport in 2007.  I look forward to hanging out with the fans, drivers and the entire NASCAR community.”

Clarkson’s latest album, Breakaway, earned two Grammys, spawned five #1 singles, and sold over 10 million records worldwide and over 6 million in the US. Thanks to instant classics like "Since U Been Gone," "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because Of You," the Texas native's music has become a staple of pop radio over the past five years, and in December, Clarkson was declared the most successful artist in Top 40 history, with at least one single on the chart for 111 consecutive weeks.

NASCAR has developed advertising and at-track campaigns with artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jewel, Lenny Kravitz, Leann Rimes, and Sheryl Crow.  The deal with Clarkson, however, is the culmination of a symbiotic model in which artists utilize the second-most watched sport in America as a marketing and promotional vehicle, while NASCAR attracts new fans by connecting with the artists’ base.

“NASCAR’s relationship with Kelly Clarkson will be unique not only due to the depth of her involvement in the sport all season long, but her enthusiasm for NASCAR as a fan of NASCAR will surely develop into an unparalleled relationship," said Sarah Nettinga, Managing Director, Film, Television and Entertainment, NASCAR Digital Entertainment. 

“We’re delighted to have one of the most popular singers in the world entertain the race fans in attendance as well as the live television audience on FOX,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “NASCAR’s most prestigious event will get off to a roaring start with this unforgettable pre-race show that’s fitting for the biggest, richest and most watched motorsports event in America.”

As part of the deal, Clarkson will also serve as spokesperson and ambassador for the fourth annual NASCAR Day on May 18, 2007.  NASCAR Day is a one-day celebration of the NASCAR spirit that gives fans across the country a chance to show their support for the sport they love and help worthwhile causes.  As part of her role as official spokesman, Clarkson will appear in an ad campaign promoting NASCAR Day for the recently-formed NASCAR Foundation.  The ad will premiere during the 2007 Daytona 500.

Finally, Clarkson is scheduled to perform at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series’ 27th annual Champions Banquet in New York City on December 3, 2007.  The awards show banquet honors the top performers of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season and officially crowns the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion.  The event will be broadcast live on ESPN.

For the past three years, the NEXTEL Tribute to America featured a who’s who list of entertainers including the rock band Bon Jovi, country music superstar Clint Black, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, John Ondrasik and Five For Fighting, singer/actress Vanessa Williams, singer Lee Greenwood, singer LeAnn Rimes and the Bethune-Cookman College Marching Wildcats.

Tickets for the Daytona 500 as well as other Speedweeks 2007 events are available online at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

About NASCAR Digital Entertainment
Based in Los Angeles, NASCAR Digital Entertainment (NDE) manages, directs and creates new business opportunities for NASCAR’s broadcasting, new media, and entertainment programming ventures.  NDE creates new and enhanced entertainment experiences for NASCAR fans, drivers, teams, tracks, and sponsors through television, the Internet, satellite radio, digital cable, new media, and original motion picture programming.

About the Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s richest and most prestigious race. Accordingly, it also is one of the most attended and watched sporting events of the year.  Approximately 200,000 fans will attend the “Great American” race at Daytona International Speedway, starting the season for the second highest-rated regular season sport on television. In 2006, the Daytona 500 broadcast attracted 37 million viewers, making it the highest-rated and most-viewed NASCAR race in history.  The 500-mile race features a field of 43 cars turning 200 laps around the storied 2.5–mile, high-banked track.  Coverage of the 2007 Daytona 500 airs live on FOX on Sunday, February 18 starting at 1:00 p.m. ET.

About the NASCAR Foundation
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006.  The Foundation is a 501© (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities.  The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family.  The NASCAR Foundation will use the strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.  For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation.