Actress/Singer Nikki Blonsky Set to Perform National Anthem at NASCAR Weekend

Blonsky, a New York native, was honored at the 13th annual Critics’ Choice Awards for her role as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray in 2007 (Best Young Actress). Blonsky, along with Queen Latifah, Amanda Byrnes, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow, Allison Janney, and Elijah Kelley, also won Best Acting Ensemble.

“I’m very excited and honored to be performing the national anthem. It will be my first-ever NASCAR race and I couldn’t think of a more scenic setting than the Sonoma Valley,” Blonsky said. “I’ve heard so much about NASCAR; I can’t wait to get out there and experience it for myself.”

Blonsky, 19, has also worked with rock musician Duncan Sheik on a number of tracks, with her first single, “On a High,” featured in the 2008 Lifetime Original Movie, Queen Sized, in which she also starred. Blonsky also covered the Disney classic, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” for “DisneyMania6”, which was released in May.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350

WHEN: June 20-22

2007 POLE WINNER: Jamie McMurray

2007 WINNER: Juan Pablo Montoya

NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature competition in the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, NASCAR Camping World Series West event on Saturday.

START TIMES (Pacific): Friday, June 20: Sonoma County Vintners NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Day, 4:05 p.m.

Saturday, June 21: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice, 10:50 a.m.; Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 22: Toyota/Save Mart 350, 2 p.m.

TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com