DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Daytona International Speedway) - As a continuation of Sprint Nextel's (NYSE:S) sponsorship of Bon Jovi's "
Have A Nice Day" tour, the legendary rock band will headline the Sprint Tribute to
America prior to the Daytona 500 Feb. 19, which kicks off the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series(TM) season.
The pre-race show will air live on NBC from Daytona International
Speedway - the World Center of Racing.
"Bon Jovi has been a great partner to us. We are excited to be able to bring two American icons together - Bon Jovi and the Daytona 500," said Michael Robichaud, vice president of sports marketing for Sprint Nextel. "We felt it was important to provide first-class entertainment for the fans leading up to the biggest race of the year. Bon Jovi is a great fit, and we believe this year's Sprint Tribute to America will be the best yet."
Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said: "We're thrilled to have Bon Jovi, one of the most popular rock bands in the world, help deliver a roaring start to the pre-race revelry of the Daytona 500. The race fans in attendance and the live television audience on NBC will be entertained by the world-class pre-race show that's fitting for the biggest, richest and most prestigious stock car race in the world."
Now in its third year, Sprint Tribute to America brings top entertainers to Daytona International Speedway to honor the spirit of America and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
Sprint Nextel is the title sponsor of Bon Jovi's current North American tour, "Have a Nice Day," in support of their latest album by the same name. Partnering on this tour has enabled Sprint Nextel to provide unique wireless content to its customers, such as the first-ever "live look in" of the Dec. 17 Bon Jovi concert on Sprint TV(TM) multimedia devices.
Thousands of people will have a unique opportunity to be up close during the high-energy show. Daytona International Speedway is accepting volunteers immediately at www.d500showvolunteers.com
The Daytona 500 pre-race coverage on NBC begins at 1:30 p.m. (EST) Feb. 19, 2006. The race, which starts at 2:30 p.m., also will be broadcast live on MRN. For Speedweeks tickets, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call (800) PITSHOP.
