Tuesday, October 30, 2007

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) - Known nationwide as "America's Toughest Sheriff," Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver and pilot one of the Chevrolet Impalas that will lead the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series field toward the green flag before the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil on Sunday, November 11 at Phoenix International Raceway.

As the Honorary Pace Car Driver, Arpaio will be a part of pre-race ceremonies, including driver introductions at the start/finish line. Once the starting command has been given, Arpaio will lead the field of 43 cars onto PIR’s 1-mile oval for pace laps prior to the start of the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil, which is the Semi-Final Showdown in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup.

Elected in 1992, Arpaio is currently serving his fourth term as Sheriff in the fourth-largest Sheriff's office in the nation. Throughout his 15-year term, Arpaio has consistently received high public approval ratings, a result of the combination of his unique methods of justice and an unwavering commitment to the safety of the largest county in America.

In 1996, Arpaio authored a book titled America's Toughest Sheriff: How We Can Win the War Against Crime. Among his methods listed in the book and still practiced today in Maricopa County are his housing of prisoners in tents in the desert, his limitations on inmate recreation, and his famous dressing of inmates in pink clothing. For all of these reasons and more, Arpaio is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top forces of discipline.

Arpaio and his hard-hitting law enforcement techniques have been featured in well over 2000 newspapers, magazines, and television programs stateside and overseas. At PIR, he will be featured again to a nationwide audience, enforcing a standard speed to the field of 43 cars before the green flag waves on the running of the Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil.