Powerful NHL Star to Give Starting Command for NASCAR's Toughest Series

Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced today that 17-year NHL veteran Jeremy Roenick will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Casino Arizona 150, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday, November 10. As Grand Marshal, Roenick will give the starting command for the running of the Casino Arizona 150.

The semi-final race in the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, the Casino Arizona 150 will get the green flag at 6:15 p.m. and will race into the night under the lights on the desert's one-mile oval.

"We are delighted that an amazing sports star of Jeremy Roenick's caliber is joining us for the Casino Arizona 150," said Sperber. "Mr. Roenick's career in the NHL is well known and after this race weekend he can add NASCAR Grand Marshal to his already impressive resume."

Roenick, currently the starting center for the Phoenix Coyotes, plays his home games just a short distance from PIR at the Jobing.com Arena. Born in Boston, Roenick has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and the Coyotes. He was drafted in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft in the first round, eighth overall by Chicago.

"Jeremy's presence will add an increased level of excitement to an already thrilling race and we look forward to a fantastic night of Craftsman Truck Series racing," said Ric Hartman, Director of Marketing for Casino Arizona.

It's the playoffs - NASCAR Style - this November at Phoenix International Raceway. Semi-Final Showdown Weekend at PIR roars into action Thursday night, November 9th with the KONICA MINOLTA 125, NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series race. Friday, November 10th features NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying and then the sparks will fly under the lights in the Casino Arizona 150, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race followed by the PIR After Dark fan festival. The best of the Busch Series battle it out on Saturday, November 11th, in the ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200, NASCAR Busch Series race. Sunday, November 12th a champion could be decided in the Semi-Final race in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup, the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Tickets and information for these events can be found at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling, 602-252-2227 or 1-866-408-7223.