• by David Kaplan , January 4, 2005

If 2004 was the year of "NASCAR Nation," then January 2005 might well be remembered as the month the car race went to the jungle. Helping NASCAR kick off its new season, the Animal Planet cable network will broadcast a one-hour programming special on NASCAR drivers and their family pets during the week of the Daytona 500.

NASCAR: Animal Crew is intended to bring fans behind the scenes with NASCAR's racers, and to reveal the drivers' softer sides. The show debuts on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. E.S.T.

The program features footage shot at NASCAR races in Rockingham, North Carolina, Atlanta, and Charlotte, as well as on location with drivers at home.

In addition, NASCAR and Animal Planet have teamed with the Halifax Humane Society, which will hold a benefit auction on February 16 at the Daytona International Speedway.

The NASCAR: Animal Crew telecast is sponsored by Pedigree, North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development, and Cendant.