Original 'American Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson inks deal with NASCAR

Singer Kelly Clarkson will be part of the 2007 NASCAR team in what the Daytona Beach, Fla., organization said is the broadest deal it signed with an artist.

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The Grammy-award winner's involvement includes an at-track concert, a television spot, charitable endeavors and NASCAR's Awards Dinner, NASCAR said in a release. The relationship kicks off on Feb. 18 during the NEXTEL Tribute to America, a salute to music that Clarkson will headline, prior to the Daytona 500.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm a race fan and love NASCAR," Clarkson said. "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."

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While at the Daytona 500, Clarkson will film a commercial for NASCAR featuring a cut from her new album, scheduled for release mid-year.

"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, a managing director of NASCAR Digital Entertainment.