Harry Connick Jr. to Sing National Anthem for 2010 Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Columbia Recording artist, singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. will sing the National Anthem for the 52^ndrunning of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 14, NASCAR biggest and most prestigious race of the season.

Three-time Grammy Award winner Connick recently released his 24^thalbum titled ‘YOUR SONGS,’ which consists of Connick singing classic songs with a  full orchestra, and, as with nearly all of Connick’s previous albums, he arranged and orchestrated all of the songs himself.

“We’re delighted to welcome Harry Connick Jr. to NASCAR’s most storied track – Daytona International Speedway,” Track President Robin Braig said. “Known world wide for his talented voice, we can’t wait to hear Harry Connick’s rendition of the National Anthem as he helps kick off NASCAR’s greatest spectacle – the Daytona 500.”

Since the release of his debut album in 1987, Connick has sold more than 25 million albums as well as maintained a successful acting career appearing in movies such as “Hope Floats,” “Memphis Belle,” “P.S. I Love You” and most recently “New In Town” with Renee Zellweger.

Connick has performed in front of the NASCAR family before singing at the season-ending awards ceremony back in 2003.

Tickets for all Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the 52^nd annual Daytona 500, are available on your web-enabled phone at mobile.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

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