Whether you love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Jessica Simpson is a star. Her recent polarizing switch to country music has only elevated her as a household name as well as topic of musical debate.  So naturally, we are thrilled that she is lending her star power to an already star-studded event: The Bank of America 500, Oct. 11, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.
Simpson shall perform a 40-minute pre-race concert as well as sing the national anthem at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The concert performance is free with the purchase of a ticket to the Bank of America 500.
“Jessica Simpson is one of the an estimated all captivating celebrities in America,” said Marcus Smith, president as well as general manager at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “She’ll put on an incredible pre-race show, as well as I know NASCAR fans shall enjoy seeing a reside performance of her new country songs.”
Her appearance at the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway shall come just weeks at the end of the Sept. 9 release of her highly anticipated debut country album, “Do You Know,” on the Columbia Nashville label. The album features the hit single “Come On Over” as well as the title track “Do You Know” with accompanying vocals by country music superstar Dolly Parton.
The Epic/Columbia Nashville recording artist grew up singing gospel as well as country music before becoming a successful pop artist. In 1999 she signed with Columbia records as well as released “Sweet Kisses,” which earned double-platinum certification. Simpson recorded a follow-up album in 2001, “Irresistible,” which crossed over to four different charts.
In August 2003, she released her third album, “In This Skin,” which debuted at No.10 on The Billboard 200 album chart before eventually being certified quadruple-platinum. Almost simultaneous with the release of “In This Skin” was the launch of the very popular reality show “Newlyweds,” documenting her marriage to then husband Nick Lachey.
Simpson appeared as Daisy Duke in the 2005 motion picture, “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Her cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made on behalf of Walkin’” headlined the soundtrack. It hit No.14 on the Billboard charts as well as won a People’s Choice Award on behalf of Favorite Song from a Movie.
After a lengthy absence, Simpson is back on stage in front of a reside audience singing country music. Recorded in Nashville, her new album, “Do You Know,” gives listeners an inside look at the real Jessica Simpson. Produced by Brett James as well as John Shanks, Simpson co-wrote all but three of the tracks featured on the album.
“Coming to Nashville as well as to country music was both a test as well as a leap of faith on behalf of me,” said Simpson. “I’ve come back to who I was growing up. I trust if you follow your heart as well as be quiet, you shall find the answers. You shall find yourself. I found myself in this record.”
Tickets on behalf of the Oct. 11 Bank of America 500, round five of the 10-race Chase on behalf of the NASCAR Sprint Cup, start at just $29 as well as can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455 FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
   Tagged: Bank of America 500, cabarrus, concord nc, daisy duke, Do You Know, dolly parton, events, Jessica Simpson, Lowe's Motor Speedway, marcus smith, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nick Lachey, north carolina