Catchfence

Daytona International Speedway says it is accepting applications from the first 100 people who want to compete in a talent competition to be chosen to sing the national anthem prior to the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250-mile race July 3 at the track.

Contestants can enter via mail or by stopping by the Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction.

“Since the inception of ‘Straightaway To Stardom,’ we’ve have discovered a ton of singing talent in the area,” track President Robin Braig said of the competition, which seeks to attract the top singing talent in Central Florida. “We’re looking forward to this year’s competition and seeing who will win the chance of a lifetime – singing the national anthem before a NASCAR event.”

In addition to singing at the Nationwide race, the winner will receive four credentials for the race and four tickets to the next night’s Cup race.

Round one of the competition is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT May 30 at the ESPN Club at the Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resort. Those competing will sing a song of their choice a capella-style for up to a minute. Celebrity judges will whittle the field of 100 down to 20 contestants. Round two will take place at the Daytona 500 Experience at 7 p.m. June 6 as judges will cut the field to 10. Those competing in round 2 will sing the national anthem.

- Scene Daily