Winning Sketch Available to the Public on April 21

MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light™, today announced that, after more than 10,000 online votes were tallied, NASCAR® fans have decided which Thomas Kinkade sketch will become the officially licensed Limited Edition Commemorative Portrait of the historic 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500®. Go to www.thomaskinkade.com/daytona to see the winning sketch, which Thomas Kinkade will develop into a Studio Masterwork that will be released as the officially licensed Commemorative Limited Edition Portrait to fans of NASCAR®, the DAYTONA 500®, and Thomas Kinkade.

The official portrait will be made available in May. The winning sketch, named History in the Making, is such an overwhelming success that The Thomas Kinkade Company announced they will be releasing the sketch as a matted print on Monday, April 21st. The History in the Making sketch print is 16” x 20” finished size, suitable for framing and is packaged flat in a cello sleeve with a Thomas Kinkade Certificate of Authenticity included. The suggested retail price is $79.00 and available at www.thomaskinkade.com or through Thomas Kinkade Galleries.

“I couldn’t be happier with the fans’ decision — their favorite was my favorite,” said Thomas Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light. “When finished, this piece will have all of the historical figures and cultural symbolism that continue to draw fans to the ‘Great American Race.’ I’ve enjoyed this experience so much — I may have to paint two or three NASCAR® pieces in the future.”

In addition to the winning sketch, Thomas Kinkade announced that Corby Stewart, from Madison, GA and Jana Lowry from Amarillo, TX were selected as Grand Prize Winners of the DAYTONA 500® Voting Contest and will each receive one Standard Numbered Limited Edition canvas of the DAYTONA 500® image upon release in May. Mr. Stewart was selected from over 1,400 submissions made by Thomas Kinkade collectors and NASCAR® fans suggesting what Thom should include in his commemorative release of the 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500®, while Ms. Lowry was selected at random from the more than 10,000 fans that voted for the sketches on www.thomaskinkade.com. Thom sends his personal congratulations to each winner.