Fans to vote, win Kinkade portrait for Daytona 500

MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- Thomas Kinkade has announced that online voting to choose the officially licensed Limited Edition Commemorative Portrait of the historic 50th Running of the Daytona 500 has begun.

• To vote and enter, click here

Fans will choose from eight sketches and two paintings created by Thomas Kinkade while on site at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks 2008. Fans will be able to vote for their favorite until March 15. All participating voters will be entered to win a Limited Edition print of the officially licensed portrait.

"I will always cherish my experience at the 50th running of the Daytona 500; being on site allowed me to capture the essence of the sport, the event and NASCAR culture as a whole," said Thomas Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light. "I was inspired by the energy and passion from everyone involved with the sport -- owners, drivers, sponsors and fans -- and I attempted to capture that feeling in my artwork that fans will see online."

The selected artwork will be released as a special Commemorative Limited Edition Portrait and made available in May to fans of NASCAR, the Daytona 500 and Thomas Kinkade through Thomas Kinkade Galleries worldwide.

The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers, and strategic marketing relationships with more than 70 licensees. The company's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Kinkade's artistic unique use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. For more information, please visit the company's Web site, click here.

"I can't wait to see which one is the fans' favorite," Kinkade said.