A pro-Israel NASCAR team competed alongside some of pro-racing's best in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at the Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday.

America Israel Racing's car, sporting the number 49, came in 26th place.

The team's car started in the 35th position after posting a qualifying speed of 131.685 mph on Saturday.

The race team was founded in 2011 to raise awareness of the importance of American support for the nation of Israel.

"This is a critical time in our nation's history as it pertains to our relationship with Israel," Rich Shirey, co-founder of AIR, said in a statement.

"As the only true democracy in the Middle East, we feel it is critical that the United States reaffirms its commitment to stand beside Israel," he added.

AIR partnered with NASCAR veteran Jay Robinson, of Robinson-Blakeney Racing, for both Daytona and Phoenix. The team hopes to continue the relationship throughout the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season by garnering support from like-minded individuals.

"If enough people make a stand, the world will take notice," Shirey said.