Blake Shelton spent time around the garage and track of Phoenix International Raceway last weekend as NBC prepares for its coverage of NASCAR later this year.

The country singer-songwriter is also (as you likely know) a star of “The Voice” on NBC. Later this season NBC will be broadcasting the final 20 races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season as part of the 10 year deal the network reached with NASCAR in 2013.

Apparently Blake is going to be a part of at least the promotions of the coverage as one of NBC’s biggest celebrities that can connect with the racing fan base.

NASCAR.com posted several pictures of Blake around the track in Phoenix. The picture above came from Dale Earnahrdt Jr.’s Twitter account along with the message: “Just worked with @blakeshelton here @PhoenixRaceway for @NASCARonNBC. Here he is begging to drive the @nationwide88.”

It will be fun to see what comes of Blake Shelton’s involvement with NASCAR through NBC.

By: Buck Stevens