Phoenix International Raceway officials have announced Arizona Senator John McCain will act as Grand Marshal for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Sunday, November 15, 2009.

"I'm thrilled to serve as the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR race on Sunday," said McCain.

McCain is a retired Navy captain who entered the US Senate in 1987 after serving four years in the United States House of Representatives from Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

The Grand Canyon State's senior senator will join PIR president Bryan R. Sperber on the pre-race stage to welcome hardcore race fans, drivers and teams and will deliver the famous command "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!" following driver introductions.

Hardcore race fans can contact the Phoenix International Raceway by logging onto PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).

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