Phoenix International Raceway to Sponsor UFC’s Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz, the UFC’s bantamweight champion, is being sponsored by the Phoenix International Raceway for his next fight, which is expected to take place in early 2013.

The 27-year-old will wear the track’s logo on his shirt and shorts.

A torn ACL has sidelined Cruz since May, but that didn’t stop him from getting behind the wheel of a pace car. On Sunday, he did his second drive for the AdvoCare 500, which is part of Sprint Cup series.

PIR’s one-mile oval, which is located in Avondale, Ariz., hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup events each year. 

Cruz, is the first MMA fighter to be sponsored by the racetrack. Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber said the fighter’s Arizona roots and love of racing make him a perfect fit. 

“We jumped at the chance to be able to support Dom,” Sperber said. “We’re able to showcase what we’re doing to the UFC’s audience. It’s kind of a groundbreaking opportunity because it’s never been done.”