Sprint Nextel Announces All-Star Lineup for 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge

Sprint Nextel Announces All-Star Lineup for 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge

Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) announced today that rock groups Train and Red Hot Chili Peppers and perennial all-pro receiver Steve Smith will participate in pre-race festivities for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 20. “The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge is a high-energy event that starts well before the green flag waves,” said Michael Robichaud, vice president of sports marketing for Sprint Nextel. “The pre-race atmosphere depends upon a talented and notable lineup of celebrity guests. We are pleased to announce some of the top names in music and sports to add to the pre-event celebration.”

Pat Monahan, lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning rock band Train, will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. Formed in 1994, Train is a multi-platinum band, whose hits include “Calling All Angels,” “Drops of Jupiter,” “Free” and “Meet Virginia.” The group also will be performing a pre-race concert presented by Miller Lite.

Warner Bros. Records artists Red Hot Chili Peppers will join the pre-race activities serving as Grand Marshals, which calls for them to give the famous command, “Gentleman, start your engines.” In addition, the band will perform a live set, billed as the Red Hot Pit Stop, between the first and second segments of the 90-lap race. The group’s latest album Stadium Arcadium, which features the hit single “Dani California,” went on sale nationally May 9.

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