BROOKLYN – Country music star and RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young will bring his distinct music style to the stage at Michigan International Speedway by performing the national anthem for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 on Sunday, Aug. 16.

Young is scheduled to perform during pre-race festivities beginning around 1:30 p.m. before the start of the CARFAX 400.

“I’m really honored to be chosen to sing the national anthem at Michigan International Speedway,” said Young. “I’m such a huge fan of NASCAR. I’m not sure if I’m more excited about performing on Sunday or just being there to see the race!”

It’s an exciting time all around for Young, whose second album, The Man I Want to Be, will release Sept. 1. The album’s current single and Top-20 hit “Gettin’ You Home” continues to climb the radio charts and is a huge hit on Young’s MySpace page, with more than 1.3 million plays so far.

Young has also agreed to perform a song in Acceleration presented by Budweiser, the speedway’s fan hospitality club, prior to pre-race.

Recently voted as Country’s Hottest Bachelor by the readers of Country Weekly, Young became a fan favorite with the release of his self-titled debut album in 2006, which earned the highest selling debut by any new country male that year.

Young will follow a long line of talented singers who have performed the national anthem at Michigan International Speedway including LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner, Danielle Peck, and SHeDAISY.

“We’re excited to have an up and coming country star like Chris Young perform our CARFAX 400 national anthem,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Like so many terrific talents in the past, I’m sure he will do a great job for our MIS fans.”

Canadian Amy Rivard, star of “What’s Up, Canuck?” and a performer in “Celtic Woman” and “Riverdance” will sing the Canadian anthem. The Canadian anthem has been a tradition at MIS during pre-race ceremonies since it opened in 1968.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Tickets are on sale for the CARFAX 400 by calling 800-354-1010 or logging onto MISpeedway.com.