Though the sounds of race engines have been gone from the Valley of the Sun for four weeks, the wheels are still turning at PIR - and it's making the holiday season a better one for all.

Extending upon its strong background of community outreach, Team PIR has been very active entering the holiday season, helping where necessary. In all, it's an effort that has a great impact, both here in Arizona and in places far away.

PIR recently participated as a certificate contributor to the 8th Annual McDonald's McFeast, where some 3000 people were expected to receive a free Thanksgiving breakfast at an Avondale-area McDonald's restaurant. Coming up, PIR will participate in the Golden Wheel Organization gala to raise funds for the West Valley Child Crisis Center, as well as Banner Good Samaritan's "Candlelight Capers," an annual charity ball.

What would our nation be without its strong military, and what would that strong military be without each and every one of the supportive family members that stand by while their loved ones defend America's honor on all fronts?

That's why Team PIR has turned a focus onto military families in recent years, and this holiday season will see no exception. PIR recently supported the efforts of Family Appreciation Day at the Navy Operational Support Center, as well as those of Family Day at the Arizona Army National Guard.

To top it off, a team of PIR staffers got together last week and devoted their afternoon to something beyond the business of the race track: care packages for PIR's adopted military friends currently serving in Baghdad.

In August, PhoenixRaceway.com brought you the story of the 447th HVAC Shop unit of the United States Air Force stationed in Iraq, a group that included Scott Clark, son of Team PIR's Glenda Clark. Scott is back on home soil now, but members of his unit are still doing their duty overseas, not to be forgotten in the holiday season. That's why Team PIR rallied together with a holiday-themed round of essentials-stuffed boxes that were shipped out last week and should be arriving in the soldiers' hands any day now. It's the holiday season all around, and that shouldn't be forgotten.

Enjoy the holiday season, and don't forget: If you're looking for a good last-minute gift idea for a friend or loved one, worry not, because tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ on April 12 are just what you need. Call 1-866-408-RACE or visit the PIR Ticket Office online at www.racetickets.com, and happy holidays!