2013 March Pole Sitter: #55-Mark Martin, 138.074mph, finished 21st

2012 November Pole Sitter: #18-Kyle Busch, 138.766mph, finished 3rd

Track Qualifying Record: Kyle Busch, 11/9/2012, 138.766mph

Oldest Pole Winner: Mark Martin, 54 years, 1 month, 23 days, 3/1/2013

Youngest Pole Winner: Kyle Busch, 20 years, 11 months, 20 days, 4/22/2006

2013 March Race Winner: #99-Carl Edwards, 105.187mph, started 15th

2012 November Winner: #29-Kevin Harvick, 111.182mph, started 19th

Race Record: Tony Stewart, Nov 1999, 118.132mph

Slowest Race Record: Al Kulwicki, 1988, 90.457mph

Oldest Race Winner: Mark Martin, 50 years, 3 months, 9 days, 4/18/2009

Youngest Race Winner: Kyle Busch, 20 years, 5 months, 11 days, 11/13/2005

Most Wins: Jimmie Johnson, 4; Kevin Harvick, 3

Most Poles: Ryan Newman, 4

Most Top 5s: Jimmie Johnson 13; Mark Martin, 12

Most Top 10s: Mark Martin, 21; Jeff Gordon, 20; Jimmie Johnson, 16

Most Lead Changes: 28 - 2/27/2011

Fewest Lead Changes: 1 - 11/4/1990

Most Leaders: 15 - 3/4/2012

Fewest Leaders: 2 - 11/4/1990

Most Cautions: 11 - 11/7/2004

Most Caution Laps: 66, 11/2/2003

Fewest Cautions: 2 - 11/7/1999

Fewest Caution Laps: 10, 11/7/1999

Most on the Lead Lap: 29 - 11/2/2003

Fewest on the Lead Lap: 3 - 10/30/1994

Most Running at the Finish: 41 - three times, last on 4/21/2007

Fewest Running at the Finish: 27 - 11/5/1989

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Ricky Rudd, 1995, started 29th

Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 262 - Dale Earnhardt, 11/4/1990

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 10 - Kevin Harvick 4/22/2006

Most Wins by a Manufacturer: 16 - Chevy; 14 - Ford

Brian Baumgartner named grand marshal of Subway Fit Fresh 500: Emmy winning star of NBC's critically acclaimed sitcom "The Office" Brian Baumgartner a national spokesman for Subway Restaurants  has been named Grand Marshal for the upcoming SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500" at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, March 3. Baumgartner will join PIR in welcoming fans, NASCAR, drivers, and teams to the second race of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season by delivering the most famous words in racing. "This is definitely something that you don't get to do everyday" said Baumgartner. "I'm extremely honored to be the Grand Marshal for this race and want to thank my friends at Subway and the folks at Phoenix International Raceway for giving me the opportunity to deliver those magic words on Sunday." Baumgartner currently stars as Kevin Malone in the ninth and final season of NBC's "The Office", airing Thursday evenings through May 16. Baumgartner's television appearances also include roles on Wilfred and Arrested Development and he appeared in the romantic comedy feature film License to Wed opposite Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, and The Office co-star John Krasinski. Tickets for the March 3 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, as well as all other events throughout the March race weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are available at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).(PIR)(2-28-2013)

Military cuts could limit flyovers: The military flyover for Sunday's Daytona 500 may be a rarity at NASCAR events -- and sporting events in general -- moving forward. Military spending cuts of 30 percent have forced the Air Force to trim flying hours by 18%. That will come from air shows, including the Thunderbirds aerobatic flying team that will perform prior to Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway did not have its traditional flyover for the Rolex 24, Thursday's 150-mile qualifying races, and one is not planned for Saturday's Nationwide Series race. There is a plan in place if automatic budget cuts known as "sequestration" are triggered on March 1 to suspend all Air Force flyovers immediately except for the Thunderbirds, which will be suspended on April 1. "If sequestration kicks in, we'll be looking not to support any future NASCAR races," Wendy Varhegyi, the chief of the engagement division for Air Force public affairs, told ESPN.com. Varhegyi said the suspension of flyovers would include all sports "at least through the end of the fiscal year [Sept. 30]." Luke Air Force was not allowed to provide a flyover for the March 3 Sprint Cup race at Phoenix. Instead, a private company has provided the track a B-17 that is not a part of Air Force inventory. Las Vegas Motor Speedway has an agreement with the Thunderbirds based nearby at Nellis Air Force Base for its March 10 Cup event. But Speedway Motorsports, which hosts 11 other Cup events in addition to the Vegas race, has a "tentative hold" on flyovers. NASCAR officials said they are working with the military and tracks to find a compromise that will allow flyovers to remain at events.(ESPN)(2-23-2013)

Dollar General to sponsor Nationwide race: Dollar General, together with AmeriGas, will be the title sponsor of the Phoenix Raceway March 2, 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The Dollar General 200 Fueled by AmeriGas is the second race of the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. The Dollar General 200 Fueled by AmeriGas will be the feature event for the third day in PIR's March race weekend. The green flag will drop on the Dollar General 200 Fueled by AmeriGas at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. In addition to the title sponsorship deal with Phoenix International Raceway, Dollar General is the full-season Nationwide Series sponsor for the #20 Toyota driven by Brian Vickers and half-season sponsor for Matt Kenseth's #20 Dollar General Toyota Camry for 17 races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.(PIR)(2-7-2013)

Phoenix offering pit pass experience: Fans looking for a behind-the-scenes peek to the NASCAR action at the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 on March 3 at Phoenix International Raceway, will now have an opportunity to enjoy an enhanced experience with their 'Pre-Race Pit Pass'. Offered at $60 per person, the Pre-Race Pit Pass entitles pass holders to a variety of added, backstage action on the NASCAR Sprint Cup race day, including: Garage Walk Access -Catch a glimpse of your favorite driver or car as they roll out of the garage and onto pit road before the start of the race (participants randomly selected); Driver Introductions - Access to pit road and the track to watch driver introductions; Trophy Photo Opportunities - Pose in Gatorade Victory Lane with the iconic SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 Trophy prior to the start of the race. Pre-Race Pit Passes are available now for purchase on PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). Passes must be accompanied by a Grandstand Ticket to the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500.(PIR)(2-5-2013)

ISC reports dip in profits: International Speedway Corp. saw a year-over-year decline in both its 2012 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings and revenues, but the narrowing of the revenue decline for its core business operations to less than 1 percent has company officials encouraged. "We experienced leading signs of revenue stabilization this year," stated Lesa France Kennedy, ISC's chief executive officer, in both a news release and Thursday morning conference call with stock analysts. ISC, which operates Daytona International Speedway and a dozen other tracks around that country that host NASCAR races and other motorsports events, generated a net profit of roughly $54.6 million for its fiscal year, which ended Nov. 30, down from $69.4 million in fiscal 2011, and a fourth-quarter net profit of about $24.7 million, down from $26.5 million the same period the previous year. Its revenues totaled $612.3 million in 2012, down from $629.7 million in 2011, and in the fourth quarter it generated $189.4 million in sales, down from $191.9 million the same period the previous year. Kennedy said ISC had year-over-year increases in both revenues from broadcast fees, corporate sponsorships and food, beverage and merchandise sales at races, but "we continue to experience modest headwinds with admissions, not to the degree experienced in 2011, but enough to know we still have further inroads to make with our consumer."(full article at the Daytona Beach News-Journal)(1-25-2013)

Phoenix International Raceway 2nd in line for redevelopment: Phoenix International Raceway, which opened in 1964, is second on International Speedway Corp.'s priority list for a redevelopment project that could include new grandstands, garages plus other fan and competitor improvements. Lesa France Kennedy, chairwoman of ISC, which owns PIR and 11 other tracks, told azcentral sports Friday that the almost 50-year-old Avondale oval is behind only flagship Daytona International Speedway for a capital improvement budget approval. "Phoenix (which has sold out grandstands seats for three of its past four Sprint Cup races) has positioned itself in line for a lot of new amenities," Kennedy said. "I don't have an exact timeline for it. This is really high-up on our list ... you will see changes." Kennedy said ISC's Board of Directors, which will meet in April, recognizes that many other Valley sports entertainment venues are new or being upgraded. "We are aware we have to notch it (PIR) up," she said. "I would say Phoenix would be next in line (to Daytona)," she said. Daytona's own potential facility redevelopment plan recently was approved by the Daytona Beach city commission.(Arizona Republic and see an interview by Lesa Kennedy at the Arizona Republic)(11-11-2012)

Veterans Day Salute planned for Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway and NASCAR fans in attendance at the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will celebrate Veterans Day by paying tribute to the generations of men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during the pre-race show beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 11. All drivers from the four series' racing at PIR throughout the weekend have teamed up in support of Veterans Day weekend and will feature a commemorative decal honoring those who have served. The AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pre-race show will feature a Veterans Ceremony honoring past members of each branch of the military.
The spectacular pre-race show will also include:
· Newly unveiled patriotic paint scheme on the Official Grand Marshal Car
· Special tribute video with messages from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers
· SkyHawks Jumping Team
· Current military members holding flags on the hillside
· America the Beautiful
· National Anthem
· Fly over by Luke Air Force Base
· Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard
(PIR)(11-9-2012)

Arizona Governor Brewer named Honorary Starter for AdvoCare 500: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has been selected as the Honorary Starter for the AdvoCare 500, Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced. As the Honorary Starter, Governor Brewer will wave the green flag to start the AdvoCare 500, as well as greet the drivers during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. "We are delighted to welcome Governor Brewer to serve as the Honorary Starter of the AdvoCare 500," Sperber said. "Governor Brewer has long recognized the positive economic impact to the State that NASCAR events at PIR have had. Her participation underscores that the race is more than a championship sporting event, it's also an economic engine for Arizona." Named Arizona's 22nd Governor on January 20, 2009, Brewer was elected Arizona's Secretary of State in 2002. Brewer's career in politics began in 1982 when she was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives where she served until 1987. Following that, she ran for and was elected to the Arizona State Senate, where she served until 1996, including a four-year period as Majority Whip. In 1996 she was elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors where she served two terms with the county before being elected Arizona Secretary of State. "Phoenix International Raceway and NASCAR are premier attractions for the City of Phoenix and State of Arizona," said Governor Brewer. "Like tens of thousands of Arizona racing fans, I'm excited for the AdvoCare 500 and thrilled to have the opportunity to participate as the Honorary Starter. I would like to thank PIR and NASCAR for their continued collaboration on this successful event."(PIR)(11-7-2012)

PIR grooms track surface for Advocare 500: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced on Monday the completion of a pre-event track grooming program in advance of the November 11 AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race, the semi-final race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. "Last year we made a commitment to NASCAR and the drivers to groom the race surface for three races using the tire rotator machine," said Sperber. "This weekend we completed the last installment of the process and look forward to presenting a championship surface for the AdvoCare 500." PIR hired Colorado-based Bandimere Speedway to have a tire rotator machine burnish additional rubber into PIR's surface, enhancing the racing groove. The process is a continuation of the track's reconditioning effort that also took place prior to the Subway Fresh Fit 500 event weekend at PIR last March. "We have received great feedback from the drivers who have said our process has helped improve the quality of racing at PIR," said Larry Crispe, executive vice president of operations for Bandimere Speedway. "We are proud to again be a part of the preparations for what will be another great race in Phoenix." Last fall, with pre-race input from NASCAR and many of the Series' top drivers, PIR groomed the race surface using a different tire dragging device. That effort was augmented by six professional drivers running more than 3,000 laps on the new surface prior to the November race weekend. The PIR grooming program was widely lauded by the drivers during the 2011 November NASCAR weekend.(PIR)(11-6-2012)

Vektor Vodka named official vodka of Phoenix Raceway: Phoenix International Raceway announced that the track will welcome Arizona-based Vektor Vodka to its family of Official Partners. Vektor Vodka will kick off their partnership as PIR's Official Vodka during the AdvoCare 500 weekend with the opening of the Bar Vektor Vodka Lounge in the fan midway and the presenting sponsorship of PIR: After Dark. Vektor Vodka will be introducing a signature drink available to fans throughout the midway called The Redline, as well as having their logo proudly displayed on the hood of Bobby Labonte's #47 JTG-Daugherty Toyota Camry. Helping to keep PIR's party alive after the checkered flag, PIR: After Dark will feature guest bartender Brad Daugherty and guest appearances by Bobby Labonte. Vektor Vodka is distilled and bottled in Samara, Russia's oldest and most distinguished distillery.(PIR)(11-6-2012)

Phoenix grooms track for Advocare 500: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced the completion of a pre-event track grooming program in advance of the AdvoCare. "Last year we made a commitment to NASCAR and the drivers to groom the race surface for three races using the tire rotator machine," said Sperber. "This weekend we completed the last installment of the process and look forward to presenting a championship surface for the AdvoCare 500." PIR hired Colorado-based Bandimere Speedway to have a tire rotator machine burnish additional rubber into PIR's surface, enhancing the racing groove. The process is a continuation of the track's reconditioning effort that also took place prior to the Subway Fresh Fit 500 event weekend at PIR last March.(PIR)(11-5-2012)

Grandstands sold out at Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway's grandstands are sold out for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race on November 11. "We're delighted that NASCAR fans have chosen to attend the AdvoCare 500 and have snapped up the available seats for the event," track president Bryan Sperber said. "We recognize that fans have a lot of choices as they decide where to go, we're honored that they have chosen to support Phoenix International Raceway." Race fans wishing to attend NASCAR's final West Coast race of the season - the semi-final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup - may still purchase general admission tickets to PIR's hillside area by calling 866-408-RACE or visiting PhoenixRaceway.com.(PIR)(11-2-2012)

Lost Trailers in concert at Phoenix: Country music duo The Lost Trailers- known for their current hit "American Beauty"- will perform at 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 11 at the Budweiser ROLL-BAR main stage prior to the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. The Lost Trailers rose to stardom in 2008 with their Top-Ten hit "Holler Back". Re-launched in 2011 with founding-member Stoke Nielson and collaborator Jason Wyatt, The Lost Trailers recently released the singles "Underdog" and the current hit "American Beauty". Live entertainment on the Budweiser ROLL-BAR main stage is available to all grandstand ticket holders. Tickets to Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club are available for advance purchase at $99 for Nov. 10 and $149 for Nov. 11.(PIR)(11-1-2012)

Chelsea Bain singing National Anthem at Phoenix Nationwide race: Country singer and Arizona-native Chelsea Bain will sing "The Star Spangled Banner" prior to the Great Clips 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, November 10. After spending her teenage years competing on horseback and winning more than ten national and world championships, Bain felt it was time to apply her skills and determination toward rocking music arenas. Embarking on an artist development mission, Bain will be releasing her first full-length album, All-American Country Girl, on Rock Ridge Music distributed through Warner Music. "Rockin' That Trailer" is the first single from the forthcoming album and is due for release in early 2013.(PIR)(10-31-2012)

JoJo singing Anthem at Phoenix: Pop singer/songwriter and actress JoJo will sing "The Star Spangled Banner" prior to the AdvoCare 500 Semi-Final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, November 11. The multi-platinum singer burst onto the music scene in 2004 with her debut single "Leave (Get Out)", making her the youngest artist ever to reach number one on Top- 40 radio with her single, as well as the youngest solo artist to receive at MTV Video Music Award Nomination. Most recently JoJo has released "Disaster" and "Demonstrate" on iTunes in support of her forthcoming third studio album scheduled for a 2013 release.(PIR)(10-29-2012)

UFC Champ Cruz honorary pace car driver at Phoenix: Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion, and former star of The Ultimate Fighter Live on FX, Dominick Cruz has been named Honorary Pace Car Driver for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, November 11. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Cruz, 27, has ascended to the top of his profession. Known for his outstanding speed and footwork, Cruz has compiled a 19-1-0 professional record that includes wins over the likes of Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, Scott Jorgensen, Joseph Benavidez and Brian Bowles. Cruz, partnering with Niner Sports Marketing, will participate in pre-race ceremonies and will make appearances on site at PIR on Sunday, November 11.(PIR)(10-26-2012)

Phoenix announces driver appearances and entertainment for race weekend: Fans attending the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend at Phoenix International Raceway will be treated to hearing from some of NASCAR's top drivers prior to the action on the track Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10-11. PIR race fans will have an opportunity to visit with 2012 Chase contender Kevin Harvick, racing legend and five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runner-up Mark Martin, Arizona native Michael McDowell and 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series runner-up Elliott Sadler- just to name a few. PIR will also offer fans a host of live entertainment options throughout the weekend. Kicking off the weekend in SPEED Cantina, Harry Luge Jr. makes his return to PIR for the November event weekend. Headlining Friday night's party at PIR: After Dark, the Furious George Band and a fireworks show will continue the night after the on track action concludes. Saturday wraps up with performances by Harry Luge Jr. and Chad Freeman and Redline at the SPEED Cantina.(PIR)(10-23-2012)

NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series to race in Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber, NASCAR and OCESA announced that the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series will make its United States debut at PIR during the March, 2013 race weekend. The landmark international event will run on Friday, March 1, as part of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at PIR. The race will be televised in the United States, Mexico and Latin America. The 75-lap event will feature a format that includes a scheduled break after the first 50-laps followed by a 25-lap sprint to the finish. A full field of drivers from the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series is expected to participate in this history making race, including current points leader Daniel Suarez, driver of the No. 3 Equipo TELCEL. The NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series will kick off its 10th season overall and seventh under the NASCAR banner at Phoenix International Raceway on March 1, 2013, followed by 14 races at eight different tracks throughout Mexico.(PIR)(10-3-2012)

AdvoCare sponsoring Phoenix race: Phoenix International Raceway announced that AdvoCare International (AdvoCare) has been named title sponsor for the track's November 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event: The AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. The AdvoCare 500, the Semi-Final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, will be the feature event for PIR's November race weekend. With the Sprint Cup Series Championship on the line, the green flag will drop on the AdvoCare 500 at 1 p.m. MST. AdvoCare is a health and wellness company that offers world-class nutrition, weight loss, energy and sports performance products. No stranger to NASCAR fans, AdvoCare is also the primary sponsor of rising star Austin Dillon and the #3 AdvoCare Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for legendary owner Richard Childress Motorsports.(PIR)(9-25-2012)

Phoenix Qualifying moved to Friday: Phoenix International Raceway announced that NASCAR has moved Gatorade Pole Qualifying for the semi-final race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup to Friday, Nov. 9 at 4:10 p.m. The weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will remain as scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. "We are pleased that NASCAR has moved Qualifying to Friday," said Sperber. "It will add excitement to an already fantastic day that features the Lucas Oil 150 Camping World Truck Series event." Gates open to the public Friday at 9 a.m. A full day of activity on the track will be highlighted by Gatorade Pole Qualifying and the running of the Lucas Oil 150 Camping World Truck Series race at 6 p.m.(PIR)(7-18-2012)

Phoenix looking for fall title race sponsor, 2013 dates: IndyCar isn't listed on Phoenix International Raceway's 2013 season-ticket renewal brochure, but the series still might return to the Avondale oval for the first time since 2005. Substantive negotiations between PIR President Bryan Sperber and IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard are expected within the next six weeks. A more immediate priority is to sign a new title sponsor for the upcoming Sprint Cup race. Kobalt Tools didn't renew due to budget cutbacks. Sperber said he's talking with potential replacements. PIR's 2013 brochure lists March 1-3 for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 and Nov. 7-10 for the Sprint Cup Series' championship semifinal. Incentives are offered for season-ticket renewals by July 20.(USA Today)(6-23-2012)

Phoenix tickets on sale Friday: Phoenix International Raceway has waived the green flag for fans to purchase tickets to one of the most exciting race weekends of the NASCAR season, featuring the semi-final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets to the Nov. 8-11 NASCAR event weekend at PIR go on sale June 1 and can be purchased by visiting PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). Last year's semi-final race at PIR sold out quickly. The capacity crowd witnessed a thrilling race won by Kasey Kahne on PIR's newly paved track, while Chase points leaders Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart positioned themselves for an historic conclusion to the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. A number of great individual pricing options are available throughout the event weekend. Tickets to the Sunday, Nov. 11 Chase for the Sprint Cup Series Race begin at $25. Prices start as low as $15 for the opportunity to watch two Saturday (Nov. 10) races, the Great Clips 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race and the Casino Arizona 50 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race.(PIR)(5-30-2012)

Homestead-Miami, Daytona, Phoenix featured in "Smoke Your Tires" Game: Picturesque Homestead-Miami Speedway is one of the first tracks featured in a new downloadable application, Smoke Your Tires. Coinciding with the start of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing season, International Speedway Corporation has lent the marks to its 12 tracks to a new iTunes app, Smoke Your Tire. Homestead-Miami Speedway is among the first featured in the app, along with other iconic ISC facilities Daytona International Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway. This application for the iPhone is available now in the iTunes store with an Android version forthcoming. The app allows players to customize a stock car to feel as if they are smoking tires on the actual 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway track in never-before-seen-on-apps 360 degree spins, the difficulty of which increases by graduating levels. The first two levels, with backdrops at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, respectively, are free with multi-level tiers added with each new event of the stock car racing season hosted at an ISC track. Each level will be a unique experience with new challenges and varying degrees of difficulty.(HMS)(3-8-2012)

PIR Traffic: Phoenix International Raceway is encouraging fans to prepare for race day traffic by arriving early and enjoying the full NASCAR experience during the Subway Fresh Fit 500 event weekend, March 2-4. PIR will open its 2012 NASCAR season with three races, including Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at 1 pm. See fan guidelines, traffic plans and notes, Park 'N Ride info, parking, directions and links to maps at phoenixracing.com.(3-2-2012)

Jared, Subway & PIR to provide lunch & race tickets for National Guard: on Friday, Subway famous fan Jared Fogle will provide lunch and race tickets to several hundred members of the Arizona National Guard in honor of the 2012 Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jared and Subway team with PIR to pay homage to true American heroes and invite them to enjoy the exciting action during one of the Phoenix area's top annual sporting event weekends.(PIR)(3-2-2012)

Jet dryer operators to wear firesuits, helmets: Jet dryer operators will wear firesuits and helmets this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway as part of a safety move following Juan Pablo Montoya's fiery crash in the Daytona 500. Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said his track will take action as well. Jet dryer operators, whose job entails blowing debris from the track following wrecks as well as drying the racing surface, do not wear firesuits because they typically are not around fires. "My guys will [wear them] because, if nothing else, I like them and they're good guys," Gossage said. "I want firesuits and helmets for those guys. I want at least four-point [seat-belt] harnesses. I want to look at roll bars. I want to look at the right kind of fire extinguishers in the truck.(Scene Daily)(3-2-2012)

Candlebox to perform at PIR: Legendary rock band Candlebox will energize the crowd at Phoenix International Raceway with a live concert this Sunday, March 4, to celebrate the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 event weekend. The concert begins at 11 a.m. at Budweiser ROLL-BAR, PIR's showcase venue for live music and entertainment. Known for their blend of hard rock and a contemporary sound, Candlebox is scheduled to release their fifth album, Love Stories and other Musings, on April 3 and will begin a six-week U.S. tour two days later. Single-day tickets to Budweiser ROLL-BAR are available for $99 on Saturday, March 3 and for $149 on Sunday, March 4. A Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club Pass and a Pre-Race Pit Pass for Sunday, March 4 is available for $179 and a weekend Budweiser ROLL-BAR pass (Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4) including a Pre-Race Pit-Pass is $249. Additional purchase of a grandstand ticket is still required for track admission.(PIR)(3-2-2012)

Brian McKnight to sign National Anthem at Phoenix: World-renowned recording artist Brian McKnight will sing the national anthem prior to the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500, Sunday, March 4. McKnight and his sons, Brian Jr. and Niko, will launch Phoenix's 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season with the same soulful sounds that have been a McKnight trademark for two decades. McKnight and his sons are avid NASCAR fans. "In our house, we are either talking about sports or music, and there is nothing like the excitement of NASCAR," said McKnight. "My sons and I are thrilled to be performing at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday. We hope everyone enjoys our rendition of the National Anthem."(Phoenix Raceway)(2-29-2011)

NFLer Ndamukong Suh named Grand Marshal of Subway Fresh Fit 500: All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2012 Subway Fresh Fit 500 on Sunday, March 4 at Phoenix International Raceway. Suh was immediately recognized as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in pro football after being selected second overall by Detroit in the 2010 Draft. In only two seasons, he has registered 102 tackles (75 solo), 14 sacks and one interception while starting all 30 games in which he has played. Suh, whose first name means "House of Spears," is a native of Portland, OR. In his role as Grand Marshal, Suh will participate in pre-race festivities and will kick off the race by saying the most famous words in NASCAR, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"
"I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Subway Fresh Fit 500," said Suh. "I've been fortunate to experience motor sports all over the world and am somewhat of an enthusiast. I am really excited to share this experience with my great friends from Subway, and I can't wait to give the command." Additional information about the Subway Fresh Fit 500 and all race weekend activities (March 2-4) can be found by visiting phoenixraceway.com.(PIR)(2-22-2012)

NASCAR turns down 'General Lee': Concerned over the negative image of the Confederate flag, NASCAR told PGA star Bubba Watson he cannot drive his "General Lee'' show car around Phoenix International Raceway before the March 4 Sprint Cup race. Watson, an honorary race official for the event, was originally told he could appear in the #01 car from the "Dukes of Hazzard'' television series, which he purchased for $110,000 at an auction. NASCAR officials vetoed that because there is a Confederate flag on the roof of the bright orange Dodge Charger made famous in the series, which aired from 1979-85, and the sport is trying to distance itself from the negative image that brings. "NASCAR, International Speedway Corp. and Phoenix International Raceway officials discussed this and decided it was not in the best interest of our sport,'' NASCAR said in a statement on Friday. "The image of the Confederate flag is not something that should play an official role in our sport as we continue to reach out to new fans and make NASCAR more inclusive." Watson, who recently drove the car to the Phoenix Open golf tournament, wrote Thursday on Twitter: "Sorry to say @nascar won't let me drive The General Lee at the @PhoenixRaceway !!! #dreamcrushed." The Confederate flag still is flown by fans at many racetracks, particularly in the South. But NASCAR has made it clear over the years that it doesn't want to be associated with that image.(ESPN)(2-17-2012)

Phoenix honorary pace car driver named: UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will be among the headline attractions during the Subway Fresh Fit 500 on Sunday, March 4 at Phoenix International Raceway. It was announced by track President Bryan R. Sperber, that Cruz was named Honorary Pace Car Driver for the race. "Dominick is a true Arizona success story and we are proud of the style and class with which he represents our entire region," said Sperber. "We are excited to have him headline the weekend activities that kickoff the start of the 2012 NASCAR season at PIR." Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Cruz, 26, has ascended to the top of his profession, compiling a 19-1-0 professional record that includes wins over the likes of Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, Scott Jorgensen, Joseph Benavidez and Brian Bowles. Cruz and Faber will face each other as opposing coaches in the upcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter Live" premiering on FX before squaring off in the Octagon® for the third time following the program's season finale. Cruz will participate in pre-race ceremonies and will make appearances onsite at PIR on Sunday, March 4. Additional information on race weekend activities is available on Phoenix International Raceway's official website at www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR)(2-11-2012)

Jepson promoted to Communications Manager of Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway announced the promotion of Jennifer Jepson to Communications Manager. In her new role, Jepson will manage daily operations in all areas for the company's communications department. Jepson joins recently hired Director of Communications, Dave Lockett, who joined Phoenix international Raceway earlier this year. Jepson originally joined the company in 2011 as Client Relations Coordinator in the sales & marketing department where she helped manage the activation of all corporate sponsorships. Raised in Phoenix, AZ., Jepson graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.(PIR)(2-1-2012)

Checkered Flag Run at Phoenix March 2-3: Race fans and motorcycle enthusiasts will celebrate diversity during the 2nd Annual Checkered Flag Run to Phoenix International Raceway's NASCAR Weekend on March 2-3. The exciting two-day event will include a ride to Phoenix International Raceway and an opportunity to enjoy the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race. The largest multicultural motorcycle gathering at NASCAR, The Checkered Flag Run will launch with a kickoff reception featuring live entertainment on Friday, March 2 from 6-10 p.m. at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler, AZ. Saturday, March 3 will begin with a ride to Phoenix International Raceway to enjoy the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race. Riders will start from three separate locations, including Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport and Radisson Hotel Phoenix Chandler, and will arrive at the Phoenix International Raceway by 9 a.m. Tickets to the 2012 Checkered Flag Run can be purchased for $25 until March 1 by calling 1-866-498-RACE (7223) or through www.checkeredflagrun.com.(PIR)(1-31-2012)

Phoenix names Director of Communications: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced that Dave Lockett has been named Director of Communications. Lockett, who most recently directed public relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will oversee all communications for PIR effective immediately. Lockett spent 13 seasons with the Steelers after previously working in corporate communications at the National Football League and with several New York-area PR firms.(PIR)(1-15-2012)