PIR awards Phoenix Sheriff

Phoenix International Raceway officials say Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio will serve as the honorary pace-car driver for the April 21 Subway Fresh Fit 500 Nextel Cup race at the track.

"We are thrilled to have Sheriff Arpaio drive our pace car in the Subway Fresh Fit 500," PIR President Bryan R. Sperber said. "With approximately 100,000 fans watching, the pressure will be on, but we are confident that he'll be a star behind the wheel."

Known as "America's toughest sheriff," Arpaio is serving his fourth term as Maricopa County sheriff. [Editor's Note: Perhaps a reward for this Sheriff who gave Champ Car such a hard time over noise in the downtown area before approving their street race.]