Kelly Clarkson, NASCAR ink deal

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- 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.

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."

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.