Catchfence

State leader accepts position from NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has been selected as the Honorary Pace Car Driver and will lead the 43-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series field to the green flag to begin the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600™ at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10, PIR President Bryan R. Sperber has announced.

As the Honorary Pace Car Driver, Brewer will be a part of pre-race ceremonies, including driver introductions at the start/finish line. Once the starting command has been given, Brewer will lead the Sprint Cup field onto PIR’s 1-mile oval for pace laps prior to the start of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600™, which is the sixth running of a spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Phoenix International Raceway and the first at the race’s new, longer distance of 375 laps.

Brewer officially accepted the position and a ceremonial key to the Arizona flag-branded Chevrolet Camaro from four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon in a ceremony at the State Capitol on March 1.

“What a thrill it is to be able to drive the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pace car,” said Brewer. “As a NASCAR fan for many years, it is a special honor to be behind the wheel to start the race. I finally get to use the keys that Jeff Gordon gave me last month!”

Named Arizona’s 22^nd Governor on January 20, 2009, Brewer was elected as Arizona’s Secretary of State in 2002 and served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2004. Prior to her tenure as Secretary of State, Brewer served in the Arizona State Legislature for well over a decade, participating in the State House of Representatives from 1983 to 1986 and in the State Senate from 1987 to 1996. From 1996 to 2002, Brewer chaired the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Tickets for the April 10 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600™ and all other events throughout the first NASCAR event weekend of 2010 at Phoenix International Raceway are still available at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).

- Phoenix International Raceway, Press Release