DAYTONA 500 winners Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Mario Andretti, Grammy Award nominee Jewel, TV host Kelly Ripa, and action sport legend Tony Hawk, among others, will put their artistic talents to the test to help commemorate the 50th running of NASCAR's crown jewel stock car race, the 2008 DAYTONA 500. Daytona International Speedway (DIS) today announced its "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" competition, where the design of the most sought-after ticket in motorsports history will be chosen from submissions provided by celebrities, with fans having a voice in the decision.

Program spokesperson and three-time DAYTONA 500 champion Jeff Gordon and DIS President Robin Braig launched the program today at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and unveiled several celebrity designs. Celebrity spokesperson Carson Daly also participated in a media tour from New York City to kick off the program.

"The DAYTONA 500 - NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race - is renowned for its fantastic finishes and attracting high-profile celebrities," Braig said. "Having a celebrity design the event ticket to next year's 'Great American Race' is a unique and exciting way to commemorate the historic 50th running of one of the premier sports events in the world."

NASCAR fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the coveted DAYTONA 500 ticket, with early indications that the tickets will move fast. Fan excitement will only intensify as actors, television personalities, musicians, professional athletes, and the top names in NASCAR submit original works of art inspired by the Great American Race.

Voting begins Tuesday, May 1. Fans are encouraged to click on the "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" banner on daytona500.com as often as they like to view and vote for their favorite celebrity ticket designs.

The top 10 most popular designs, based on fan voting, along with the members of a blue ribbon panel that will determine the winner, will be announced at Michigan International Speedway Friday, June 15. The winning design will be announced during the Pepsi 400 (July 5-7) weekend in Daytona Beach.

Once the winning design is chosen, all original celebrity artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds benefiting The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening diseases.

"It's great to be associated with a unique competition that allows fans and celebrities to take part in an important milestone of NASCAR racing while, at the same time, helping children with life-threatening and chronic diseases," Gordon said.

Tickets to the 50th running of the DAYTONA 500 go on sale Wednesday, May 9, 2007. To vote for ticket designs, purchase tickets, or for ticket information, visit daytona500.com.