Laura Bell Bundy to Perform National Anthem at Budweiser Shootout, 2/12

Country music singer/songwriter Laura Bell Bundy will perform at the 33rd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Daytona International Speedway.  Bundy will perform a pre- and post-race concert in addition to the National Anthem for the non-points star-studded NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

Bundy will perform three songs prior to the Budweiser Shootout on the Pre-Race Stage as well as the National Anthem, which will be carried live on FOX. After the checkered flag waves on the 75-lap race, Bundy will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Entertainment Stage.

Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access holders will be able to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval grass while all ticket holders will have access to the post-race concert, which will start in the Sprint FANZONE approximately 30-minutes after the end of the race.

After a successful run on Broadway, Bundy has been a rising star in the country music scene with the release of her debut album "Achin' and Shakin' " in the spring of 2010 with hit singles such as "Giddy On Up" and "Drop On By."

On Broadway, Bundy originated the lead role of Elle Wood in the Broadway music "Legally Blonde," for which she received a Tony Award nomination. She also originated the role of Amber Von Tussle in the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical "Hairspray" and played Glinda in the smash hit "Wicked."

Offstage, Bundy has appeared in films including "The Adventures of Huck Finn," "Life with Mikey" and "Jumanji." She appeared in the 2006 film adaptation of "Dreamgirls" as well as in television with a recurring guest stint on the hit CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother." Last December, Bundy co-hosted the red carpet at the American Country Awards with Charissa Thompson and Michael Waltrip on the SPEED Channel.

"The addition of Laura Bell Bundy to what already promises to be a great night of racing on the high banks is a tremendous win for our fans," Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. "NASCAR's best drivers will compete for the first time on the newly paved surface, and Laura's great performances will book-end an unforgettable night at the 'World Center of Racing.' "

The Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR's season-opening non-points event, is the climax to a racing doubleheader.  The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is set for 4:30 p.m. followed by the Budweiser Shootout at 8:10 p.m., which will feature former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions, the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field, a host of former outstanding rookies and a collection of previous winners at Daytona International Speedway.

Tickets for all Speedweeks 2011 events, including the Budweiser Shootout, are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

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