(PHOENIX, Ariz.) - Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced today the hiring of Jon Sata as Director of Corporate Partnerships and the promotion of Erin Clinesmith to Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator.

Sata joins PIR after spending five years in the motorsports division of Live Nation (formerly Clear Channel Entertainment), most recently serving as Director of National Sales. In his role with Live Nation, Sata was involved with the sponsorship development of the IHRA Drag Racing Series, the AMA Supercross Series and the USHRA Monster Jam Series.

Prior to his time with Live Nation, Sata spent two years working for John Hancock Financial Services. Sata, a 2000 graduate of Purdue University, relocated to the Valley with wife Sarah from the Chicago area.

Clinesmith has been with PIR in a part-time marketing role since October 2006. In her new role, she will focus on improving communication with current and potential PIR sponsors and partners.

Prior to joining PIR, Clinesmith interned with the corporate marketing department in NASCAR's New York office from 2003 to 2004, the Strategic Sports Group from 2004 to 2005, and with the events marketing department of Golf Digest from 2005 to 2006. Clinesmith graduated from New York University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Business.

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 8, the USAC Midget and Silver Crown Series return to PIR in the Copper World Classic Presented by FASTSIGNS SOUTHWEST Goodyear, Arizona. Friday night, November 9, 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 NASCAR tickets today: Call 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or visit www.racetickets.com!