PHOENIX – Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced today that Ryan Grab has been named Director of Communications. Grab, who most recently served as the Athlete Strategy Director for UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in Las Vegas, will oversee all communications and media relations for PIR effective immediately.
“We are pleased to welcome Ryan to our staff,” said Sperber. “We are confident that his prior experience will have an immediate impact here at PIR and further develop the overall communications efforts of the organization.”
Grab comes to PIR after five years with UFC. In addition to his PR responsibilities, Grab also held a role within the organization’s Athlete Development department where he was responsible for organizing and programming educational summits for active athletes, as well as promoting health and wellness initiatives within the sport.
“I am excited about the new opportunity at PIR,” Grab said. “I am looking forward to working with both the NASCAR and IndyCar Series to promote events at one of the industry’s greatest tracks. Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities and has an incredible sports history with extremely passionate fans, so I’m excited to call the Valley my new home.”
After earning his Master’s degree from the University of Georgia, Grab began his career in sports as an intern with UFC in 2010 and joined the Communications team full time in 2011. He also spent two years promoting the STRIKEFORCE MMA brand following the UFC’s acquisition of the property, which saw the successful launch of the careers of stars Ronda Rousey and Daniel Cormier.
About Phoenix International Raceway:
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has been the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Founded as an open-wheel racing mecca, PIR will host the Phoenix Grand Prix Verizon IndyCar Series race under the lights on Saturday night, April 2. Phoenix is the only track in the West to have two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends a year and will kick off its 2016 NASCAR season with the Good Sam 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend March 11-13 followed by the semifinal race for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the can-am 500, November 11-13.
