CONCORD, N.C. (May 24, 2011) – Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker will perform the national anthem for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29, at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Born in Charleston, S.C., Rucker first gained fame as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the band Hootie & the Blowfish, which he founded in 1986 at the University of South Carolina. Hootie & the Blowfish received the Best New Artist award at the 1996 Grammy Awards.
In 2008, Rucker announced that he would pursue a solo career as a country music performer. Since then he has released two country albums, “Learn To Live,” which has been certified platinum, selling more than 1 million copies and his sophomore country album, “Charleston, SC 1966,” which was released in 2010. Rucker received the Top New Artist title from the Country Music Association Awards in 2009.
“I am so honored to join the NASCAR Memorial Day Weekend celebration at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Rucker. “Any time we can bring attention to and remember those who have fought and died while serving our nation is a proud moment for me.”
Tickets for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can purchase two frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world’s largest HDTV for just $99.
For daily updates on May race activities, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway. -30-
