First audition at “Round Up” in Davie; finals held during March 29 SpeedJam; winner to sing national anthem during NASCAR Ford Championship Weekend

MIAMI—Didn’t make it to Hollywood on this season’s “American Idol”? How about a trip instead to Homestead-Miami Speedway to croon a little Kiss Country-style music?

HMS and KISS Country invite would-be warblers to participate in the “2008 NASCAR Day Idol” country-singing competition. Round 1 will be held at “Round Up” in Davie on March 2 (7 p.m.). The finals are set for the March 29 SpeedJam at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the winner returns to sing the national anthem during NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 14-16).

As a prelude to the 5th anniversary of “NASCAR Day”—a NASCAR Foundation celebration of fan spirit to be held May 16—singers are invited to take the mike and perform their favorite country and western songs karaoke-style. KISS Country weeknight host Greg Valentine will emcee the auditions.

“If the mass showing for the recent ‘American Idol’ tryouts right here in Miami is any indication, a singing competition is going to be one fun addition to the NASCAR Day-related festivities,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray. “And what better way to honor the NASCAR Foundation celebrating ‘Five Years of Caring’ than to celebrate culture so tied to the sport’s roots?”

The top “NASCAR Day Idol” singers from the March 2 “Round Up” auditions will reach the March 29 finals at Homestead-Miami Speedway during SpeedJam—a full-day festival featuring the IndyCar Series kick-off GAINSCO Auto Insurance Indy 300; GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami; IndyPro Series Miami 100; car shows, Memphis barbecue, kids activities and live music.

The “NASCAR Day Idol” winner will sing the national anthem Friday night of NASCAR’s series-crowning Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 14-16) at Homestead-Miami Speedway—home to the final race in the Chase for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series.

“We’re looking for South Florida’s in-tune talent,” Gray said. “What a great way to shine the spotlight on some undiscovered performers while raising money for the NASCAR Foundation.”

There is a $5 registration fee for the “Round Up” auditions. Register on site or secure your spot in advance via www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com. Proceeds benefit the NASCAR Foundation.

Homestead-Miami Speedway plays host to SpeedJam 2008 on March 29, as the IndyCar Series kicks off the ’08 campaign with the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Indy 300, the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami and the IndyPro Series Miami 100. SpeedJam also includes a full-day festival of car shows, Memphis Barbeque, kids activities and live music. More: (866) 409-RACE; www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com.

Media Contact:         

Jay Rand – jrand@HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com – (305) 230-5233

Audition Information:    

Nathalie Salas – nsalas@HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com – (305) 230-5024

March 2 Venue:                  

“Round Up” - 9020 West State Road 84, Davie, FL – (954) 423-1990

SW Corner of Pine Island Road & I-595 - Pine Island Plaza