COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR BLAKE SHELTON PERFORMS "BRINGING BACK THE SUNSHINE" FOR NBC SPORTS' NASCAR SPRINT CUP OPENING THEME

Judge of NBC's The Voice Makes NASCAR on NBC Debut on Sunday, July 5, Prior to the Coke Zero 400

NBC Sports NASCAR Sprint Cup Open Featuring Blake Shelton is Available via the NASCARonNBC Facebook and Twitter Platforms

STAMFORD, Conn. - June 29, 2015 - NBC Sports Group tapped country music superstar Blake Shelton to perform his hit "Bringing Back the Sunshine," within the opening theme of its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series coverage this season on NBC and NBCSN. Shelton, a judge on NBC's The Voice, makes his NASCAR on NBC debut on Sunday, July 5th at 7 p.m. ET, prior to coverage of the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Marking a first for any NBC Sports open, the complete number is available for view prior to its network television debut via the NASCARonNBC Facebook and Twitter accounts (click on either link to view the NBC Sports NASCAR open featuring Blake Shelton). The opening theme package will be updated throughout the remainder of the season with fresh faces, updated footage of action on the track and scenic visuals of NASCAR's storied venues, getting viewers geared up for NASCAR Sprint Cup action.

"I'm so pumped that my song, 'Bringing Back the Sunshine,' is going to be the kickoff to NBC's coverage of NASCAR this season," said Shelton. "Over the years, I've met some drivers and have become friends with them, and before you know it, I have this interwoven relationship with NASCAR -- and I love it."

Blake Shelton has been named CMA Entertainer of the Year, has three RIAA certified Platinum albums, five RIAA certified Gold albums, 19 total No. 1 country singles, 7.6 million albums and more than 23 million singles sold, and a five-year run as reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. With 14 singles, including five from his last album alone, Shelton has the most No. 1 singles in a row on the country radio charts by any artist. In addition, he has mentored singers on The Voice who have won four of seven seasons.

Shelton and NBC Sports' production team traveled to several NASCAR venues earlier this season to produce the open, interacting with many NASCAR drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Clint Bowyer, Danica Patrick, Jimmie Johnson, Austin Dillon and more.

NASCAR on NBC coverage begins on Saturday July 4th at 7 p.m. ET with the Subway Firecracker 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series Race on NBCSN.

On July 23, 2013, NASCAR and NBC Sports Group reached a comprehensive agreement that grants NBCUniversal exclusive rights to the final 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series events, select NASCAR Regional & Touring Series events and other live content, beginning this coming 4th of July weekend from Daytona International Speedway.

With this partnership, NBC's 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race schedule includes a designation as the exclusive home to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, when the elite national series races through its final 10 events of the season. The Chase culminates with the season-ending championship event, which returns to network television in 2015 for the first time since 2009. Of NBC Sports Group's 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, seven will be carried on NBC annually, with 13 airing on NBCSN. Four of NBC Sports Group's 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series races will air on NBC, with 15 airing on NBCSN.

NASCAR AMERICA is NBCSN's weekday 30-minute news and highlights program dedicated to America's fascination with speed and stock car racing, and features regular appearances by NBC Sports' NASCAR experts, as well as a rotation of guest analysts.