HAMPTON, Ga. (Aug. 11, 2011) – Grammy-nominated and award-winning Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second consecutive year to perform the National Anthem prior to the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (EHSS) is a Grammy-nominated and award-winning gospel quartet that combines modern musical concepts with the timeless quality of vocal groups to break the traditional mold of gospel quartets. The quartet was formed by Ernie Haase, the tenor singer of the famed Cathedral Quartet.
The patriotic pre-race event will feature the group performing the National Anthem, preceded by, “I Pledge My Allegiance.”
“We have never received a more positive response from any National Anthem performer in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway than what we saw last year after Ernie Haase & Signature Sound presented the National Anthem,” said AMS President and General Manager Ed Clark. “We are certainly thrilled that they will be making a return performance again this year. For the fans that missed the National Anthem last year, I would certainly recommend they tune in with us for their outstanding version of our nation’s song.”
“What an honor to be asked to sing the National Anthem at the Atlanta Motor Speedway once again,” said Ernie Haase, founder of the group. “A repeat performance is the greatest compliment you could ever pay to Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Thank you Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway, NASCAR, ESPN and all the fans who asked for us to come back. We are thrilled! See you on race day for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway!”
Fans that purchase the 2011 AdvoCare 500 souvenir program during race weekend are eligible for two free EHSS song downloads.
In addition to Sunday’s performance by EHSS, the pre-race National Anthem for the Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series night race on Saturday, Sept. 4 will be performed by the Song of Atlanta Show Chorus. The Song of Atlanta Show Chorus is a group of more than 100 women of all ages dedicated to celebrating the art of barbershop-style music.
The pre-race National Anthem for Friday’s Sept. 2 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series night race will be performed by the McDonough Presbyterian Men’s Choir.
NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4. Tickets for the AdvoCare 500 start at $39 and $19 for students. Children 12 and under admitted free for the Great Clips 300 and the Atlanta 200 with an adult ticket. For more information, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
Thank goodness for someone who can sing it right.