(PHOENIX, Ariz.) - Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber today announced a strategic partnership with the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce to present PIR's annual business summit that coincides with the fall NASCAR event weekend. The 4th Annual PIR Business Summit: A Look Behind the Numbers Presented by Southwest Valley Tourism & Commerce will be held in PIR's Raceway Club at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9, just two days before the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil.

"Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has played a significant role as a tourism driver for the Southwest Valley," said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. "The partnership to further promote Southwest Valley Tourism & Commerce through our annual Business Summit is a natural progression and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Chamber on one of our signature events." The partnership between PIR and the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce is designed to profile the region and ultimately increase tourism through opportunities to network, distribute materials, and display signage at one of Arizona's premier sporting events.

The partnership also extends and strengthens a relationship between PIR and the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) in tourism promotion. This partnership is funded by AOT's Proposition 302 Grant, which is a major component of the region's promotional efforts. In addition, AOT is the title sponsor of PIR's NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, November 10, the ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200.

"For decades we have supported PIR and enjoyed the tourism and commerce delivered by their increasingly popular events," said Sharolyn Hohman, executive director of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. "With funding from the Arizona Office of Tourism that enabled this sponsorship, we have been able to strengthen our partnership and maximize the state and the region's opportunity to reap the rewards of racing."

The PIR Business Summit: A Look Behind the Numbers Presented by Southwest Valley Tourism & Commerce will provide business personnel an informative and exciting look at the business of America's fastest and hottest sport - NASCAR - all in the environment of a thrilling weekend of NASCAR racing and the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup.

Featured panelists will include NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, legendary NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, and General Motors North America Vice President of Field Sales, Service, and Parts Brent Dewar as businesses and their leaders come together to learn the story of NASCAR's meteoric rise amid the landscape of the professional sporting world.

Businesses or individuals interested in participating in PIR Business Summit: A Look Behind the Numbers Presented by Southwest Valley Tourism & Commerce can call Deborah McKee at (623) 463-5632 to reserve a spot today. Tickets are $850 for a table of 10. Individual tickets are also available. Tickets to the Business Summit include admission to Friday afternoon's Bud Pole Qualifying for the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, Friday evening's running of the Casino Arizona 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, and the PIR After Dark Fan Festival.

Presenting sponsors of the 2007 PIR Business Summit include The Arizona Republic, Casino Arizona, FOX 10, Sprint NEXTEL, 3M, the City of Avondale, Enssolutions, and FAST SIGNS SOUTHWEST Goodyear, AZ.

Now it's a Dozen Dueling for the Championship during the Semi-Final Showdown in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup Weekend at PIR, November 8-11, 2007! On Thursday night, November 8th, the USAC Midget and Silver Crown Series return to PIR in the Copper World Classic Presented by FAST SIGNS SOUTHWEST Goodyear, AZ. Friday night, November 9th, the Craftsman Truck Series drivers roll the dice in the Casino Arizona 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, followed by the PIR After Dark Fan Festival. Saturday's ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200 NASCAR Busch Series race could determine a Busch Series champion, and on Sunday, November 11, it's the Playoffs…NASCAR Style as the stars of the NEXTEL Cup Series battle it out for the NEXTEL Cup Championship in the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. Get your tickets today: Call 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or visit www.racetickets.com!