Toyota to sponsor first stateside NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series race at Phoenix

Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) President Bryan R. Sperber announced today that Toyota will be the title sponsor for the Toyota 120 NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series race at PIR on Friday, March 1. The landmark event will be the first time that the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series has competed in the United States.

“This is an important race for PIR and the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series, as well as the sport in general,” said Sperber. “To have a sponsor of Toyota’s caliber join us in presenting this event is very exciting.”

The 75-lap event will feature a format that includes a scheduled break following the first 50-laps, with a 25-lap sprint to the finish. A full field of drivers from the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series is expected to participate in the history making race, including 2012 series champion Jorge Goeters.

“It’s exciting to see the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series grow to include a race in the Unites States at PIR,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “This was a unique opportunity and we wanted to be a part of this historic event. We have enjoyed a meaningful relationship with PIR over the years — currently the Toyota Avalon will serve as the track’s official pace car this year — and this race entitlement is a great way to expand our partnership.”

“We commend Toyota and NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series decision to hold this historic inaugural race in Avondale at Phoenix International Raceway,” said Marie Lopez-Rogers, Mayor of Avondale, AZ and president of the National League of Cities.

Toyota began competing in NASCAR regional series racing in 2000, and later joined NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competition with the Tundra in 2004 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series with the Camry in 2007.

The NASCAR Mexico Toyota series will kick off its 10th season overall and seventh under the NASCAR banner at Phoenix International Raceway on March 1, 2013 followed by 14 races at eight different tracks throughout Mexico.

PIR PR