PIR Announces Weekend Schedule for November 2010 NASCAR Races!

Phoenix International Raceway has finalized its fan schedule of events for the Nov. 11-14 Kobalt Tools 500 event weekend, including races in four different NASCAR series: Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Camping World Trucks and the K&N Pro Series West. As part of a date move to Nov. 13 for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season finale – a race that will be part of double-header action following PIR’s WYPALL* 200 in the Nationwide Series – fans will be offered unprecedented West Series garage access. A full copy of the weekend fan schedule is attached to this release.

Teams from the K&N Pro Series West will qualify on Thursday, Nov. 11. After qualifying, the entire West Series garage will move into PIR’s interactive midway for the West Series Garage Open House from 12-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12. As part of this first-ever midway garage open house at PIR, all fans in attendance that day will have an opportunity to see K&N Pro Series West cars up close and will be able to interact with teams and drivers. All PIR patrons will also be able to take in the official pre-race inspection process, autograph sessions, driver/team Q&A’s and more. PIR Season Ticket holders will be granted early entry to the open house at 11:30 a.m.

“We are excited to be able to host the season finale for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at PIR and crown the 2010 champion – the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend has always had championship implications across all four NASCAR divisions,” said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. “Additionally, our date change for this event has allowed us to create a first: the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West garage in the Midway where fans can mingle with drivers and teams.”

The culmination of Phoenix’s November NASCAR event weekend will be the Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup Series race, slated to begin at 1 p.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 14. The last three fall Sprint Cup winners at PIR have gone on to win the Chase for the Sprint Cup and – as the semi-final stop in NASCAR’s version of playoffs – fans can expect more championship implications at Phoenix in 2010. Spectator gates open at 8 a.m. for the Kobalt Tools 500.

On Saturday, Nov. 13, the WYPALL* 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race is set to get underway at 2:30 p.m., followed by the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season finale at 6 p.m. Spectator gates will open at 9 a.m. and fans will have the opportunity to view NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying at 10:05 a.m., along with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practices at 11:30 a.m. and 12:50 p.m.

Competition on Friday, Nov. 12, will feature the Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race beginning at 6 p.m., with qualifying at 2:30 p.m. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and fans will also have the chance to watch the NASCAR Nationwide Series practices at 10 a.m. and 1:40 p.m., as well as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice at 12 p.m. and qualifying at 3:45 p.m. The aforementioned K&N Pro Series West Garage Open House also takes place from 12-5 p.m. on Friday.

Spectator gates will open to fans at noon on Thursday, Nov. 11 for the opportunity to watch NASCAR K&N Pro Series West practice and qualifying, as well as NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice. NASCAR K&N Pro Series West practice will be at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with qualifying at 6:40 p.m. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice will held at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Fans with pre-race pit passes will have access to designated pit areas on all four days of the NASCAR event weekend at PIR. Fans will be able to explore the infield from 12-7 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sunday.

Here is a complete itinerary of events:

Thursday, Nov. 11

12 p.m.                                 Spectator Gates Open
12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.           Pre-Race Pit Pass Access
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.                   NASCAR K&N Pro Series-West Practice
2:30 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.       NASCAR K&N Pro Series-West Final Practice
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.                   NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Practice
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.       NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Final Practice
6:40 p.m.                             NASCAR K&N Pro Series-West Qualifying

Friday, Nov. 12

10 a.m.                                 Spectator Gates Open
10 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.         NASCAR Nationwide Series Practice
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.                 Pre-Race Pit Pass Access
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.           NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.                 West Series Garage Open House
1:40 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.       NASCAR Nationwide Series Final Practice
2:30 p.m.                             NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying
3:45 p.m.                             NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying
6 p.m.                                   Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race
(150 laps, 150 miles)

Saturday, Nov. 13

9 a.m.                                    Spectator Gates Open
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.             Pre-Race Pit Pass Access
10:05 a.m.                           NASCAR Nationwide Series Qualifying
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.   NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice
12:50 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.     NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice
2:30 p.m.                             WYPALL* 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race
(200 laps, 200 miles)
6 p.m.                                   NASCAR K&N Pro Series West 125
(125 laps, 125 miles)

Sunday, Nov. 14

8 a.m.                                    Spectator Gates Open
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.                 Pre-Race Pit Pass Access
1 p.m.                                   Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
(312 laps, 312 miles)

Tickets for the exciting Nov. 11-14 NASCAR event weekend are still available with prices starting at just $25! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixraceway.com/tickets or call 866-408-RACE (7223) today!

NASCAR Rewards PIR with First Night Race of 2010 and Semi-Final Race in Chase for the Sprint Cup!

In line with NASCAR’s release this week of the 2010 season schedule, Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced that the track will maintain its position as host for the first evening race on the Sprint Cup Series schedule, as well as the Semi-Final Race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

2010 Phoenix International Raceway Schedule – All Events Subject to Change
Friday, April 9	NASCAR Nationwide Series	Bashas’ Supermarkets 200
Saturday, April 10	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series	SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™
Friday, November 12	NASCAR Camping World Truck Series	Lucas Oil 150
Saturday, November 13	NASCAR Nationwide Series	Able Body Labor 200
Sunday, November 14	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series	Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Pres. By Pennzoil
*Event names are subject to change and additional races for each weekend are to be announced.

The SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ at PIR will take place Saturday, April 10, after the event at Martinsville Speedway and maintaining a position after the Sprint Cup Series’ scheduled week off for Easter. As it has since 2005, the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ will run at night under PIR’s bright lights, with 43 of NASCAR’s finest creating one of the most intense atmospheres in all of motorsports.

The SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ weekend will also feature the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 under the lights on Friday, April 9.

NASCAR returns to Phoenix for its traditional fall weekend in November, featuring the Semi-Final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil on Sunday, November 14.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series – appearing on November 12 and 13, respectively – will also travel to the West Valley in November as the pursuits of championship glory come to a close.

Fans looking for a head start in planning their 2010 season at PIR can now purchase a PIR Season Ticket package, which includes admission to all races in both exciting weekends of NASCAR action. Information can be found online at www.phoenixraceway.com/seasontickets.

Also currently on sale are single tickets to both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 in April.

Tickets for NASCAR action at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at www.phoenixraceway.com 24 hours a day, or over the phone at 1-866-408-RACE (7223). The PIR Ticket Office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 125 S. Avondale Blvd., just south of I-10 at Exit 131 in Avondale.

Follow Phoenix International Raceway 365 days a year on the Web at www.phoenixraceway.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway. Be a part of it all at PIR!

Following is the complete 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule:

Saturday, February 6     Daytona International Speedway*
Sunday, February 14      Daytona International Speedway
Sunday, February 21      Auto Club Speedway of Southern California
Sunday, February 28      Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 7             Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 21           Bristol Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 28           Martinsville Speedway
Saturday, April 10         Phoenix International Raceway
Sunday, April 18            Texas Motor Speedway
Sunday, April 25            Talladega Superspeedway
Saturday, May 1            Richmond International Raceway
Saturday, May 8            Darlington Raceway
Sunday, May 16            Dover International Speedway
Saturday, May 22         Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway*
Sunday, May 30           Charlotte Motor Speedway
Sunday, June 6             Pocono Raceway
Sunday, June 13          Michigan International Speedway
Sunday, June 20          Infineon Raceway
Sunday, June 27          New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Saturday, July 3          Daytona International Speedway
Saturday, July 10        Chicagoland Speedway
Sunday, July 25           Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Sunday, August 1         Pocono Raceway
Sunday, August 8         Watkins Glen International
Sunday, August 15        Michigan International Speedway
Saturday, August 21      Bristol Motor Speedway
Sunday, September 5      Atlanta Motor Speedway
Saturday, September 11   Richmond International Raceway
Sunday, September 19     New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sunday, September 26     Dover International Speedway
Sunday, October 3           Kansas Speedway
Sunday, October 10       Auto Club Speedway of Southern California
Saturday, October 16     Charlotte Motor Speedway
Sunday, October 24       Martinsville Speedway
Sunday, October 31       Talladega Superspeedway
Sunday, November 7       Texas Motor Speedway
Sunday, November 14      Phoenix International Raceway
Sunday, November 21      Homestead-Miami Speedway

* – denotes a non-points event

SPEED Into Father’s Day at Sonoma!

Hey Phoenix NASCAR fans, have you ever seen a road course race live? There is just something about it that makes it fun. For starters, drivers actually have to turn their wheels to the right and not just to the left. Additionally, the racing seems more challenging and has also made for some spectacular finishes in recent years.

Now, I am a huge PIR fan – love the track, love the environment, love the racing! But, there is also a part of me that just loves watching road course racing. On June 21st, I have the amazing opportunity to head to Sonoma, CA to watch the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, and you could too! The track and surroundings are gorgeous, and who wouldn’t want to travel to such an amazing place in northern California? (Yes, that was a rhetorical question.)

If you are able to make it up to Infineon to watch one of the two road course races of the year (the other taking place at Watkins Glen International, in New York), you will also have a chance to enter into a great promotion sponsored by SPEED.

Here are the details:

One lucky fan will “SPEED into Father’s Day” at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 21.

Infineon Raceway and SPEED have partnered on a promotion that will give one lucky fan the thrill of a lifetime on race day, June 21, which is also Father’s Day.

All race fans have to do is visit the SPEED Stage any time over the weekend, beginning on Friday, June 19, and sign-up to be a SPEED Fanatic. They will then be entered to win the Ultimate Father’s Day package, which includes:

•    A seat in the pit box of one of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams for the Toyota/Save Mart 350.
•    Pre-Race Pit & Track Access.
•    Official introduction during pre-race ceremonies.
•    VIP behind-the-scenes access at the SPEED Stage.

Sign-ups will close at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, and the winner will be chosen at 9:30 a.m. (both times PST) on the SPEED Stage. There is no purchase necessary to enter (must be 18 years old) and the  winner must be present to claim their prize. The SPEED Stage is located behind the main grandstand in the paddock area.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 Information:

Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350
WHEN: June 19-21 (Father’s Day weekend)
2008 POLE WINNER: Kasey Kahne
2008 WINNER: Kyle Busch
NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature competition in the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, NASCAR Camping World Series West event on Saturday.
START TIMES (Pacific):
Friday, June 19: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Day, 3:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice, 10:50 a.m.; Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day): Toyota/Save Mart 350, 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE
INFORMATION:  800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Jimmie Johnson Foundation and PIR Unite Again – Audio Interview Included!

Last week at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Phoenix, Bryan Sperber, Phoenix International Raceway President, announced that the track has extended its partnership with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation for the April 16th NASCAR Camping World Series West race at PIR, which will again be named the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.

The partnership between the Foundation and PIR reaches its second year in 2009. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 is scheduled as the first of three races during the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ event weekend, with the green flag dropping under PIR’s bright lights at 7:15 p.m. on April 16.  Mike David won the first Foundation race in 2008.

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation – created by Johnson and his wife, Chandra – is dedicated to assisting children, families, and communities in need. The foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams. The partner programs for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation include San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, and Phoenix-based Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

In partnership with Phoenix International Raceway, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has designated the West Valley Child Crisis Center as its local charity of choice.  The WVCCC’s mission is to provide a safe place where children are comfortable and loved, and given a chance to heal before being placed in a foster home, restored with their parent(s), or with a relative that the State deems able to provide decent care.

I had the great opportunity to speak with the 3-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion about the new partnership, racing at PIR, the season ahead, and ever owning his own NASCAR team.  Please listen to the attached audio file to hear the entire interview.

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After my interview, Jimmie and Bryan addressed the rest of the media and guests who were in attendance. One of the main, and incredibly hilarious, highlights of the day was when a fellow media member asked Jimmie two specific questions. Was it true that he sometimes gets carsick when driving, and had he ever seen one of his fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers’ naked.

Well, Johnson quickly responded to the second question with a chuckle and a resounding, “NO! Never!”

His answer to the first question came with an entertaining story. Jimmie did admit to getting carsick from time to time, but said it is something he deals with and can handle. He then touched on one specific time while driving in the Dakar Rally for Robby Gordon.

During a 250 mile heat he humbly admitted that about 230 of those miles was a non-stop puke fest! The funny part about the situation was that Jimmie had forgotten his helmet and had to borrow Robby’s. After the race, without saying a word, he nonchalantly placed the helmet back in Gordon’s bag! He said Robby did eventually provide some payback, but didn’t get into specifics of how.

Johnson then came back around to sharing more on his thoughts about Phoenix International Raceway, the partnership and the opportunity to give back to the local community.

“I really give the track a lot of credit for this partnership idea,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way that we can raise awareness and funds for our foundation.  At the same time, Chani and I are thrilled to be making a contribution to a very important local charity.  We hope the children who benefit from the services of West Valley Child Crisis Center will have a chance to join us for a night of fun and racing at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.”

As Johnson attempts his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Series victory at PIR in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™, fans will be able to purchase a special Jimmie Johnson Foundation Ticket Package – including a seat in the Bobby Allison Grandstands for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™, a pre-race pit pass, a gift, and admission to a pre-race question-and-answer session with Johnson – for $148. A portion of the proceeds from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Sprint Cup Series race package will support the foundation and its partner programs.

“We are truly excited about partnering with Chandra and Jimmie Johnson on this unique project that ties racing with philanthropy for a second consecutive year,” Sperber said. “PIR strongly believes in the work of the foundation and it was natural for us to continue to grow this partnership. Additionally, we are very excited to unveil a new and unique race experience for our fans through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Ticket Package.”

This year’s event will feature more than just a 150-mile race for the Camping World Series West teams. A special “Night of Champions” party featuring Johnson will take place in PIR’s Octane on the evening of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150. Proceeds from special racing items and memorabilia auctioned at the event will benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and its partner programs, all with the intent of giving back to children in the Phoenix area and beyond.

Sponsorship and ticket information for the Night of Champions party is available by calling Stacy Kutz of Phoenix International Raceway at (623) 463-5400.

General race tickets for the April 16 Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 and all other events throughout the NASCAR event weekend at PIR can be purchased at www.phoenixraceway.com, or over the phone at 1-866-408-RACE (7223).

A huge thanks to Phoenix International Raceway, Paul Corliss, and Griffin Hickman for access to the event and providing some of the enclosed content.

Jimmie Johnson Foundation And PIR Continue Partnership, Plus My Chat With The 3-Time Defending Champion!

Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber has announced that the track has extended its partnership with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation for the April 16 NASCAR Camping World Series West race at PIR, which will again be named the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.

The partnership between the Foundation and PIR reaches its second year in 2009. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 is scheduled as the first of three races during the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ event weekend, with the green flag dropping under PIR’s bright lights at 7:15 p.m. on April 16.  Mike David won the first Foundation race in 2008.

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation – created by Johnson and his wife, Chandra – is dedicated to assisting children, families, and communities in need. The foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams. The partner programs for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation include San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, and Phoenix-based Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

“I really give the track a lot of credit for this partnership idea,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way that we can raise awareness and funds for our foundation.  At the same time, Chani and I are thrilled to be making a contribution to a very important local charity.  We hope the children who benefit from the services of West Valley Child Crisis Center will have a chance to join us for a night of fun and racing at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.”

In partnership with Phoenix International Raceway, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has designated the West Valley Child Crisis Center as its local charity of choice.  The WVCCC’s mission is to provide a safe place where children are comfortable and loved, and given a chance to heal before being placed in a foster home, restored with their parent(s), or with a relative that the State deems able to provide decent care.

“We are truly excited about partnering with Chandra and Jimmie Johnson on this unique project that ties racing with philanthropy for a second consecutive year,” Sperber said. “PIR strongly believes in the work of the foundation and it was natural for us to continue to grow this partnership. Additionally, we are very excited to unveil a new and unique race experience for our fans through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Ticket Package.”

This year’s event will feature more than just a 150-mile race for the Camping World Series West teams. A special “Night of Champions” party featuring Johnson will take place in PIR’s Octane on the evening of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150. Proceeds from special racing items and memorabilia auctioned at the event will benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and its partner programs, all with the intent of giving back to children in the Phoenix area and beyond.

PIR also released a very cool new pace car to commemorate the new partnership.

As Johnson attempts his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Series victory at PIR in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™, I had an opportunity to catch up with the man they call “Vader” and discuss his foundation, favorite tracks, and whether he’d ever want to own his own team.  Please enjoy the following audio: [audio http://dl.dropbox.com/u/27701953/NASCAR/JJ%20Audio%20Cut.mp3]

General race tickets for the April 16 Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 and all other events throughout the NASCAR event weekend at PIR can be purchased at www.phoenixraceway.com, or over the phone at 1-866-408-RACE (7223).