Miss America to perform national anthem at 'Dega

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Miss America 2009, Katie Stam, will perform the national anthem prior to the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, in addition to appearing in the Dodge Speedway Sports Club and Pepsi Pit Tour Experience Zone hospitality areas on April 26.

Stam also will make a special appearance at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 23.

Miss America Katie Stam

"We are excited to welcome Miss America to Talladega Superspeedway," Talladega president Rick Humphrey said. "Anyone who heard her sing during the Miss America competition will agree that this should be an excellent rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.

Talladega will be Stam's first time attending a NASCAR race and the Indiana native is excited about visiting NASCAR's Most Competitive Track.

"Being from Indiana, naturally I'm a race fan," Stam said. "I'm thrilled to sing the national anthem at Talladega and be a part of a great racing tradition!"

Stam attends the University of Indianapolis and is pursuing a degree in Communications. Her career ambition is to become a television news reporter and anchor. Stam also is the National Goodwill Amabassador for Children's Miracle Network and is the official spokesperson for Zerosmoke.

In 2009, Talladega Superspeedway proudly celebrates 40 years in NASCAR. Race fans should make plans now to experience part of Talladega's history in 2009 during the triple-header Aaron's Dream Weekend, April 24-26, featuring the ARCA Re/Max Series, the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series.

For tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway ticket office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday.

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