Def Leppard added to line-up at PIR.

As if four NASCAR-sanctioned races, two evening concerts at the Oasis, an expanded midway and several driver appearances at various fan hospitality areas weren't enough, Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) announced today that internationally-acclaimed rock band Def Leppard will entertain race fans prior to the start of the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil on Sunday, November 10.

Widely regarded as one of the main architects of the anthemic pop/metal and larger than life rock n' roll, Def Leppard recently released their tenth album, "X", on July 30th on Island Records.

Their newest album debuted at No. 11 on Billboard's Top 200, selling over 71,000 in just one week. To date, the band has sold over 45 million albums, a feat not many bands and only a handful of British artists have been able to achieve.

"Def Leppard is a tremendously popular rock band and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them to Phoenix International Raceway," said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. "There isn't a better way to get people revved up for a NASCAR Winston Cup race than having a world-renowned rock band play a few songs live from the start/finish line."

The band is scheduled to perform songs from their newest album prior to driver introductions on Sunday morning along PIR's frontstretch.

The four-race '02 NASCAR Weekend at Phoenix International Raceway is November 7-10, featuring the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series Cruise America 125 on Thursday, the Silverado 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday, the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, and the Sunday NASCAR Winston Cup Series Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil.