Kelly Clarkson and NASCAR hook up

By Stone Martindale Jan 19, 2007, 5:15 GMT

Season one of American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has signed on to represent NASCAR at numerous events over the course of the 2007 season.

The deal is said to be the largest a recording artist and a sports organization have ever struck.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm a race fan and love NASCAR," Clarkson said in a press statement.  "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, a Grammy winner as well, will headlines the Nextel Tribute to America concert before the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18th.

"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 in a statement.

"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."

Clarkson will also shoot a 30-second TV commercial for the "NASCAR: How Bad Have You Got It?" campaign, featuring footage from her performance combined with clips of the actual race. A song from her upcoming third album will accompany the soundtrack for the spot.

NASCAR also released information stating Clarkson will serve as the official spokesperson for the fourth annual NASCAR Day on May 18th.  Clarkson will wrap up the NASCAR season by performing at the Nextel Cup's Champions Banquet in New York on Dec. 3rd, a live event broadcast by ESPN.

Clarkson's previous NASCAR experience includes serving as the Grand Marshal for the Sony HD 500 at the California Speedway in September.