"Be the best person you can possibly be."

Those were the words of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Casey Mears on Wednesday morning as he spoke to a group of students in Frank Quinn's Peoria High School automotive technology class.

The assembly was set up by a partnership between PIR, Arizona Public Service, and the APS “Power Players” program.

Following his inspiring in-class message that implored the students to seek their goals and - most notably – listen to their parents, Mears engaged the class in a hands-on conversation about the mechanics of a NASCAR stock car as the students gathered around the PIR/FOX 10 showcar just outside of the garage. The highlight of the morning came when Mears fired up the car, creating a loud engine roar to which the quiet school was unaccustomed.

Tickets to watch Mears and the rest of the stars from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in the April 12 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ at PIR are still available by visiting www.racetickets.com, or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). Tickets to the remainder of the events throughout the NASCAR event weekend are also available.

Click here for more information on everything that’s happening at PIR during NASCAR Week.