MICHIGAN INTERNATIONALSPEEDWAY
NEWS/RUMORS
Ticket Office: (800) 354-1010
Track Specs:
Superspeedway: 2.0-mile D-shaped oval
Banking: turns: 18 degrees; straights: frontstretch 12 degrees, backstretch 5 degrees
Backstretch Length: 2,242 feet; Front stretch Length: 2,229 feet
73 feet wide with 10-foot apron in turns, 45 feet wide with 12-foot apron on straightaways
Pit lane is 50 feet wide and contains space for 44 individual pit areas
Pit Road Speed: 45mph
Seating: 137,243, attendence: 153,000.
Opened: 1968
Websites:
Michigan International Speedway
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide: Michigan International Speedway
MIS Infield Extravaganza
- Ticket renewals are under way for 2009 at MIS: The renewal process for the 2009 Michigan International Speedway season will conclude on November 3. Renewals allow the speedway’s ticket holders from 2008 to purchase tickets and camping before they go on sale to the general public on Feb. 15. The speedway is expanding its seating options for 2009 so race fans will have more leg room and seat backs. The sound system is also being revamped so race fans can hear the play-by-play race action from start to finish. MIS has also restructured some of its pricing for 2009 so fans who feel the economic pinch can keep MIS in their 2009 vacation planning. New in 2009 are general admission seats for NASCAR Sprint Cup races that start at just $40 in two grandstands. Children 12 and under may come to the races for free with their families in those seats. As always, parking is free at MIS and the speedway administration encourages guests to bring their own food or drinks to the racetrack in approved coolers. Tickets and camping will go on sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, Feb. 15 during the season-opening Daytona 500. For additional information or to place a non-refundable, $50 deposit for 2009, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(10-7-2008)
- Next round of MIS Capital Improvement Projects approved: With an additional $7 million approved for various capital improvement projects for the 2009 season, Michigan International Speedway is once again investing in its property to enhance the fans race experience. With the additional spending, MIS will have spent approximately $20 million total on improvements for fans since 2006. Projects scheduled for completion before the 2009 season will include “phase 3” of the improved grandstand seating in Turn 1, continued installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property and a new state-of-the-art sound system. All projects are a direct result of fan feedback and a progressive effort from the speedway to make the race experience better for its fans. Phase 3 of the Turn 1 grandstand project is already under way with three more of the old silver grandstands currently being torn down by construction crews and MIS personnel. Similar to the previous two years, the old grandstands will be replaced with new grandstands, which have wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room. The overall project began in 2006 and does not add seats, but merely replaces old ones. Phase 2 of the installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property will also begin in the fall. Prior to the 2008 season, phase 1 signage was installed throughout MIS. The branded signage was an immediate success by helping pedestrians, motorists and campers find their way in, out and around the 1,400-acre racetrack property. Phase 2 signage will be constructed in the Motorsports Fan Plaza, on the backs of the grandstands and around main entrances to the track.
Additionally, a new state-of-the-art public address system will be installed around the track. The project will replace the old trackside PA system and add speakers under the grandstands, at the ticket gates and throughout the Motorsports Fan Plaza. The new PA system will replace one that is 40 years old. ICOMM, based in Wixom, Mich., has handled all audio and video issues at the track since 1980. MIS will continue to use and consider Michigan-based companies in all of its capital improvement projects this off season. A vast majority of the $20 million spent since 2006 has been with Michigan-based contractors. Deposits for the 2009 season are being accepted until Friday, Jan. 2 by calling the MIS ticket office. Deposits can be redeemed on Jan. 19 and 20. Placing a deposit allows customers to purchase tickets and camping after the renewal process but before they go on sale to the public.
Tickets and camping will go on sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, Feb. 15 during the season-opening Daytona 500. For additional information, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(9-9-2008)
- MIS makes races more affordable for fans in 2009: Michigan International Speedway is offering new lower-priced ticket options to make Sprint Cup Series events more affordable for its fans in 2009. Highlights of the pricing changes include a $40 general admission ticket for the track’s Sprint Cup Series races. The Sprint Cup Series returns to the Irish Hills in 2009 on June 14 and August 16. Children 12 and under will also be admitted free of charge in the general admission area only to those events. These tickets will be available in grandstands 14 and 16, between turns 3 and 4. Additionally, ticket prices will also be lowered in upper rows 55-70 of the Turn 3 grandstand by $15. Those seats, formally $110, are now $95. Parking will remain free of charge at Michigan International Speedway, and the speedway will continue to allow fans to bring in their own food and beverages in 6x6x12-inch bags. Camping prices will also remain the same. The speedway charges a flat rate for the entire length of stay, and some of the 10 campgrounds at MIS are open up to a full seven days for one fee. For more information on 2009 pricing, seating and camping, please visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(9-5-2008)
- Danielle Peck to perform National Anthem for 3M Performance 400: Michigan International Speedway has announced that country music star Danielle Peck will perform the National Anthem prior to the Sprint Cup Series 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo on Sunday. It will be the second time Peck has performed at MIS as the Coshocton, Ohio, native sang the anthem prior to the Sprint Cup Series race in August of 2006. She is scheduled to perform as opening act for fellow country star Pat Green during the Miller Lite Rock N' Racing post-race concert on Saturday, which will take place following the Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 on Saturday.(Michigan Speedway PR)(8-15-2008)
- 1 day to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 1 day remains until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 1 - Could Dale Jr. finish first again and win two in a row at MIS? He will get his chance during the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo on August 17. Junior won the LifeLock 400 Sprint Cup Series race on Father's Day snapping a 76-race winless streak. It was his first career Cup victory at the Irish Hills track. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-14-2008)
- Traffic at MIS: Michigan International Speedway officials worked with MDOT and officials from the surrounding townships to come up with one of the most significant improvements in the track's 40-year history - TRAFFIC CHANGES! MDOT and MIS studied the traffic patterns extensively over a six-month period in late-2006 to come up with the traffic plan. MIS, MDOT, the Michigan State Police, POCO, Inc., a traffic control device company, and township law enforcement agencies routinely work with each other to manage race-day traffic for both race weekends. The track's operations staff and parking supervisors coordinate it all with the help of countless volunteer groups from around the surrounding communities.(MIS PR)(8-14-2008)
- Grand Marshal named for Cup race at MIS: For the 43 drivers competing in the upcoming 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo at Michian International Speedway, their dream is to take home the checkered flag at the end of the day. But for 12-year-old Austin Irwin, who lives in Greenfield, MO, his dream is simply to attend the race and meet some of his NASCAR heroes. Irwin suffers from Wilm's Tumor, a tumor of the kidneys that strikes children more frequently than adults. Approximately 500 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually. It is highly responsive to treatment, with about 90% of patients surviving at least five years. During the race weekend, Irwin will meet Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon, among other NASCAR stars, and deliver the "Gentlemen, start your engines" command for Sunday's race. He'll be joined by his parents and younger brother. Make-A-Wish could also be a winner at the 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo if Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M Ford, goes to Victory Lane. 3M and CARSTAR have pledged a $50,000 donation to Make-A-Wish in Biffle's name if he wins the race. For tickets to the 3M Performance 400, visit www.mispeedway.com.(MIS PR)(8-13-2008)
- 2 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 2 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 2 - Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite car, is the defending champion of the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo. His second career MIS victory helped propel Busch into the 12-driver Chase for the Championship. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-13-2008)
- 3 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 3 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 3 - This weekend will mark the third Sprint Cup race sponsored by 3M at MIS. The Minnesota based company will be the title sponsor for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo on Sunday, Aug. 17 and will also host the 3M Car Care Auto Fair in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza. The company's sponsorship doesn't end there, as 3M will also sponsor two Roush Fenway Racing drivers: Greg Biffle in its Sprint Cup race and Todd Kluever in the CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series event on Saturday. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-12-2008)
- 4 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 4 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 4 - If you don't win the pole, you may want to start fourth at MIS.
Since NASCAR's top series began racing at MIS in 1969, 12 drivers have won races starting from the fourth position. The most recent winner from the fourth spot was Ryan Newman in the June 2004 Sprint Cup event. Fifteen drivers have won Cup races from the pole at MIS since 1969. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-11-2008)
- 5 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 5 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 5 - Driver of the #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevy, Casey Mears, visited MIS this past July. Mears is no stranger to success at the two-mile Irish Hills oval. He has made 11 Sprint Cup Series starts at MIS with his best finish of fourth coming in June of 2007. Mears won his only ARCA RE/MAX Series start at MIS in 2003 and also posted four top-10 finishes in five career Nationwide Series starts at the track. He placed 11th in the 3M Performance 400 last year. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-10-2008)
- 6 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 6 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 6 - Will Jeff Gordon get No. 6? By taking the pole for last year's 3M Performance 400 at MIS, Jeff Gordon now ranks third all-time in track history with five career pole awards. His speed of 189.026 was the
fastest at the track since 2005. Besides his five poles, Gordon has also won two Cup races at the two-mile oval, including in 2001 when he last won the Sprint Cup championship. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-9-2008)
- 7 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 7 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 7 - Is the number of seconds by which winner of last year's CARFAX 250, Denny Hamlin, was in front of second place winner Matt Kenseth. Hamlin got into the wall in his Chevrolet during practice on Friday only to turn around and crush the competition the next day. Hamlin managed to lead the final 40 laps and received his first career victory at MIS. His margin of victory set a Nationwide Series track record for the greatest margin of victory. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-8-2008)
- 8 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 8 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 8 - Mark Martin has led eight races in the Nationwide Series at MIS, the most of any driver. During those eight races Martin has led 304 laps, which coincidentally is also the most of any driver. The veteran has captured two Nationwide Series wins here (8/93; 8/95) and in his nine starts has finished in the top five every time except in 1997 and 1998 when he finished 11th and sixth, respectively. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-7-2008)
- 9 days to Cup weekend at MIS: Only 9 days remain until the 3M Performance 400 presented Bondo race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The daily countdown leading up to the weekend - 9 - Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 car for Gillett Evernham Motorsports, could be the favorite to win the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo. After finishing second in June, Kahne now has five top-five finishes to his credit in Sprint Cup races at MIS which include a victory in the 3M Performance 400 in June of 2006. Tickets are available for the 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 17, along with the
Saturday, Aug. 16 CARFAX 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010.(MIS PR)(8-6-2008)
- MIS initiates recycling programs with support from Coke: With two Sprint Cup Series race weekends and multiple capital improvement projects that occur each year, Michigan International Speedway is stepping up its efforts to recycle materials it produces.
The first step of the speedway's new year-round recycling program actually began during the Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 weekend in June. With the support of the Coca-Cola Co., MIS placed recycling bins throughout the speedway's 1,400 acre property, which allowed fans and workers to discard cans and plastic bottles during the weekend. It was an immediate success following Sunday's big race. Recycling efforts don't stop at just cans and bottles at MIS. The Irish Hills track has also recycled construction materials following capital improvement projects. To date, MIS has recycled over 765 tons of construction material and is reusing steel from Nazareth Speedway and Pikes Peak International Raceway to build new and improved grandstand seating. Additionally, MIS started an office recycling program in June with the idea of recycling paper, newspapers, cardboard and plastics that the speedway offices produce Monday-Friday. These various recycling programs are all voluntary and are part of the overall conservation efforts the speedway announced in mid-July. MIS has also voluntarily enrolled in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership (MBP3) and Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) through the State of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality, while also participating in wetland conservation and looking at wind and solar power alternatives. With all these initiatives moving forward, the Conservation Fund, a national non-profit organization based just outside of Washington D.C., has asked MIS President Roger Curtis to speak at its board of director's meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 24 in Washington D.C.(MIS PR)(7-25-2008)
- 3M Donates Tickets to Michigan Race for Blood Donors: The 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo at Michigan International Speedway is known for exciting racing action that gets fans' hearts pumping. And this year, the American Red Cross and 3M want to encourage fans to keep those hearts pumping with a blood drive throughout the State of Michigan. Now through August 7, every person who donates at an American Red Cross blood drive in Michigan's Great Lakes Blood Services Region will be entered to win tickets to the 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo, set to take place on August 17, 2008. Go to redcrossing.com to learn more about Red Cross Racing and to schedule a blood donation appointment. 3M, a proud supporter of the American Red Cross, is donating 300 tickets to the Great Lakes Blood Services Region to help promote participation in the life-saving collection effort. Red Cross Racing also will have an exhibit at the 3M Car Care Auto Fair held on the Michigan International Speedway grounds during the race weekend. (3M PR)(7-19-2008)
- Attendance down at MIS: Everyone knew there would be some empty seats at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. No one knew exactly how many there would be. There were a lot. Crowd numbers are not released by speedway officials, but media estimates put the crowd at about 125,000 -- 35,000 under what is considered to be a capacity crowd at the track.Speedway. Seating capacity is 132,000, but that doesn't count the infield fans, competitors, crew members, officials and volunteers that contribute on race day. The main grandstand on the front stretch was full Sunday, but the smaller grandstands between Turns 1 and 2 had thousands of empty spots. The grandstands between Turns 3 and 4 were only partially filled. The smaller crowd is likely the effect of a poor Michigan economy and high gas prices. MIS president Roger Curtis was happy with the turnout. "I was very pleased with the attendance," Curtis said. "The fans' enthusiasm was tremendous." Curtis said he expects the attendance to be higher when the series returns in August for the 3M Performance 400.(Michigan Live), the unofficial results from NASCAR had the attendence at 115,000.(6-16-2008)
- MIS making improvements to current outbound traffic pattern following LifeLock 400: After making huge strides to improve traffic following the June 2007 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, the Irish Hills track is making a few improvements to the current outbound pattern, which will continue to help fans exit the facility in a timely manner. The following changes will occur to the already existing outbound traffic pattern following the LifeLock 400 Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 15.
1. M-50 south from US-12 will be one-way to Onsted Highway.
2. Traffic at Vicary Road and US-127 will only be allowed to go North on US-127. (No left turn).
3. A 12' paved shoulder on US-127 north from Vicary Road to M-50 has been finished and will be used for post-race traffic on June 15.
Additionally, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will suspend work and reopen lanes on several major state highways, including US-127, north of Jackson, and US-12 near Jonesville, for the LifeLock 400 on June 15.
Overall, work on state roads in counties surrounding MIS, which is located in Jackson County, will be suspended starting Thursday, June 12, at 7 a.m., until Tuesday, June 17, at 7 a.m.
To assist motorists and race fans, MDOT is posting MIS race day travel information on the web, including maps and information about statewide construction projects, changes to the outbound traffic pattern, and links to the web site of WRIF (101.1 FM), the number one source of traffic at MIS. Motorists can find information online at: www.michigan.gov/mdot or www.michigan.gov/drive.(MIS PR)(6-13-2008)
- Jack Roush to perform flyover in P-51 for MIS Truck Race: Anyone who knows longtime team owner and Livonia, Mich., resident Jack Roush will tell you that he has two loves, NASCAR racing and aviation. Roush will get the best of both worlds on Saturday during pre-race activities for the Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Roush, who is an avid pilot, will perform the flyover in his P-51 plane for the Cool City Customs 200. He will be accompanied by some of his
friends piloting T-6 aircrafts. It is the first time Roush has performed a flyover for a NASCAR race. "This will be a great honor for me to celebrate the military and to remember all the veterans and flyover at the conclusion of the National Anthem, in my hometown, as it were," Roush said. "It's going to be fun to do that. And, I've got to make some phone calls; rather than do a one-ship, it would be my intention if I can organize it to do a four-ship, so I've got to see if I can scare up three friends with T-6's in the area who are the trainers to flyover with my P-51." After the flyover, Roush will helicopter back from Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Mich., and be back at the Irish Hills track for the race, which will feature three of his drivers, #99-Erik Darnell, #6-Colin Braun and #09-Bobby East. "It's always been something that I've been interested in. As a youngster I built balsawood model airplanes, first with rubber bands for power and then later with little nitro-burning engines for power," he said. "I designed my own airplanes and built them from kits just as I grew into being an adolescent, I was very active in pursuing that interest. And then of course, in the '80s when I was road racing real hard, I had a chance - or excuse or the reason - to have a corporate airplane to fly around, as I do today, and then that really got me started with personal aviation as far as being a pilot." Among one of the most famous fighters of World War II, the P-51 has its roots in both Britain and the USA. The P-51 would be unmatched by any other piston aircraft of World War II. Tickets for the Cool City Customs 200 are available by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free.(MIS PR)(6-11-2008)
- TBS's Engvall to be Grand Marshal at MIS: Actor comedian Bill Engvall will serve as grand marshal for the Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 on Sunday, June 15 at Michigan International Speedway. Engvall, star of TBS's "The Bill Engvall Show," which will have its second season premiere on Thursday, June 12 at 9/8c, will give the command to start engines for the Father's Day event. To celebrate the Army's 233rd birthday [June 14th], the U.S. Army Chorus A Capella Team will be making its second appearance at MIS during pre-race ceremonies for the LifeLock 400. The team will sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" and the Canadian national anthem prior to the LifeLock 400. In June 2007, the team performed at MIS for the Sprint Cup Series event and received much fanfare. Due to the overwhelming comments of support from the fans, the chorus was asked to come back and perform again for the LifeLock 400. One of the members of the Army Chorus' A Capella Team is a proud Michigan native. Army Sgt. First Class Cliff Ogea hails from Ishpeming,
in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(6-9-2008)
- Sammy Kershaw to headline concert at MIS: Michigan International Speedway has partnered with its official beer sponsor and its Craftsman Truck Series race sponsor to host the Miller Lite Rock N' Racing Concert presented by Cool City Customs, featuring a post-race performance by country music sensation Sammy Kershaw on Saturday, June 14. The concert will take place after the Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200, which is slated to begin at 3 p.m. Local recording artist '3D' from Detroit will open for Kershaw. Fans that have purchased tickets to the Cool City Customs 200 can use their ticket stub for gate admission to the post-race concert and witness one of country music's greatest performers outside of Turns 1 and 2. Tickets for the Cool City Customs 200 are available for $40 each with children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets can be purchased by
visiting MISpeedway.com or calling 800-354-1010. Michigan International Speedway is preparing for its 40th season of
racing in 2008. Tickets for all the races are on sale now.(MIS PR)(6-5-2008)
- New Scoreboard at MIS: Fan polls and feedback with more than 11,000 race fans have shown that one of the most frequent requests for improvement at Michigan International Speedway is a new scoreboard. Track officials took this to heart and have built the newest, state-of-the-art leaderboard in the world. The incredible, $2.35 million scoreboard touches the sky at 110 feet tall and features the latest in LED lighting and graphics. Each of the three panels of the scoreboard are roughly two times the size of a
highway billboard and will change the way race fans watch a race at MIS, track President Roger Curtis said. The video panels of the new scoreboard total 3,500 square feet and are
capable of producing millions of colors. The new scoreboard will be able to feature an infinite number of race positions at a time - a far cry from the old scoreboard, which only showed the top-five positions. During the race, track officials will use the scoreboard to not only show the positions of the entire field, but will use a graphics library to complement what's on track and what's being viewed on the six Sprint Vision giant screens at the speedway. For example, while the race in under caution the scoreboard can be used to engage and entertain the crowd with track facts and fun, interactive games usually reserved for NFL, NBA and MLB events. A graphics library is being developed by Yesco, who is providing the technical elements of the scoreboard. The scoreboard was constructed by Don Bell Signs. To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the
MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(6-3-2008)
- MIS Capital Improvement Projects Taking Shape: With less than two months to go before the start of the 40th season of racing at Michigan International Speedway construction crews are hard at work with various capital improvements projects on the speedway's 1,400-acre property. Michigan International Speedway is spending approximately $10 million to continue enhancing the track based on feedback from the fans that will help position the speedway for its next 40 years of racing. Here are updates on many projects currently under way at MIS:
* Many of the projects are beginning to take shape with the grandstand replacement project being the most noticeable. Old grandstands have been torn down in turn 1 and construction crews are currently replacing them with improved grandstand seating. The new grandstand has wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room. The project began last year and does not add seats, but merely replaces old ones.
* The new, state-of-the-art 110-foot, three-sided LED scoreboard is scheduled to be installed in the next few weeks. The concrete base for the scoreboard was poured in December.
* Slusarski Paving of Adrian, Mich., is in the finishing stages of grading land for the 300 new Graves Farm Campground sites. Cochran Electric Co. of Jackson, Mich., has already installed the electric hookups for those sites.
* The permanent shower/restroom facility in the Graves Farm Campground is currently under construction by O'Harrow Construction of Jackson, Mich.
* Installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property is also currently underway. Fritz Advertising of Spring Arbor, Mich. has already constructed many signs in the parking lots and campgrounds at MIS. The branded signage will help pedestrians, motorists and campers find their way in, out and around the 1,400-acre racetrack property.
To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.(MIS)(4-25-2008)
- MIS Launches Fan Advisory Board: Help wanted: Michigan International Speedway is looking for a few good race fans to volunteer for its new Fan Advisory Board with the primary goal being to support and fulfill the speedway's vision to create lasting memories for every person, every time. If MIS race fans are interested in volunteering for the board, visit MISpeedway.com and fill out the application. Starting in early May, MIS will be forming a Fan Advisory Board. Race fans will have the opportunity to provide important input into various MIS initiatives. Each fan advisory board member will provide feedback and suggestions on the current state and direction of MIS and the auto racing industry while playing a role in the decision-making processes that affect speedway guests. Fan input plays an important role at MIS and helps drive the integral part of the business. Applications for the Fan Advisory Board are available at MISpeedway.com and will be accepted until April 21. All applications must be postmarked
by that date to be considered. To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(4-2-2008)
- MIS partners with Lifelock for June Cup race: Michigan International Speedway has announced a partnership with LifeLock, the industry leader in identity theft prevention to present the LifeLock 400, Sprint Cup Series race at MIS on Sunday, June 15. The Father's Day race will kick off the track's 40th season of racing. LifeLock is partnering with MIS to shed light on the fastest growing crime in America, identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission recently reported that the number of reported cases of identity theft increased 16% from 2006 to 2007. Located in a secure facility in Tempe, Arizona, LifeLock enables "locks" by setting and automatically renewing fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus, removing member names from junk mail lists and guaranteeing the service with a $1 million service guarantee. Recently, LifeLock has added an additional service to all clients - free of charge - called WalletLock. WalletLock works to cancel and replace all documents and personal identifying information inside a wallet if it is lost or stolen. To purchase tickets to events at MIS, or for more information, log on to MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(3-18-2008)
- Old MIS Scoreboards to Benefit Short Track in Canada: With many facility enhancements occurring at Michigan International Speedway for the 2008 season, a Canadian short track is taking advantage of having a major NASCAR-sanctioned speedway in their region doing upgrades. Varney International Speedway, a ¼-mile paved oval located an hour from Toronto in southwestern Ontario, is purchasing the old MIS scoreboards that were located in Turns 1 and 4 and will use them at their facility for the 2008 season and beyond. The scoreboards, which were purchased at a nominal cost, will be a tremendous help to the popular short track in Canada. The scoreboards became available because MIS is installing a new, state-of-the-art, 130-foot, three-sided LED leaderboard. The scoreboard, higher than the scoring tower above the grandstands, will replace all three scoreboards at MIS, two in the turns and one in the center and will be visible from all grandstand seats, as well as several of the infield camping sites. Representatives from the recently renamed Varney International Speedway visited MIS in late February to assist in the process of taking down the old scoreboards in turns 1 and 4. The scoreboards will be loaded onto trucks and be assembled at Varney before the start of their race season in early May.
Besides the new scoreboard, other projects on tap for MIS in 2008 include:
* Some 300 new campsites sites with electric hookups will be added to the Graves Farm Campground, bringing the total number of campsites at MIS to nearly 9,000.
* A permanent restroom/shower building will be built in the Graves Farm Campground.
* Michigan International Speedway is moving forward with additional improved seating. Two additional grandstands in Turn One have been torn down and are currently being replaced with a grandstand that has wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room. The project began last year when one of the old "silver" grandstands was torn down and replaced with seats that are four inches wider than seats in the old grandstands. The project does not add seats, but merely replaces old seats.
To order tickets, camping, pit passes or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(3-2-2008)
- MIS having Valentine's Day special on Tix: Finding that perfect Valentine's Day present for a loved one can sometimes be difficult, but Michigan International Speedway has a gift that works for all sweethearts. Surprise your sweetie with race tickets to the 2008 season at Michigan International Speedway. And with Valentine's Day on Feb. 14 fans can still take advantage of the speedway's "Half Now, Half Later" payment plan. Fans who purchase tickets for events at MIS can pay half of their bill now and the other half later, and all interest free. The second payment will be automatically charged on March 11. The payment plan is another way MIS is trying to help race fans give something special to their sweetheart for Valentine's Day. The offer to sign up for the payment plan ends at the drop of the green flag for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. Tickets aren't the only gifts race fans can give their sweethearts for Valentine's Day. Pit passes and hospitality packages personalize that gift and make the race weekend even more special. To order tickets, pit passes or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010 or visit www.MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(1-31-2008)
- Michigan tix on sale: Tickets for the 2008 race season at Michigan International Speedway make great holiday gifts and in these tough economic times MIS wants to help. With Sprint Cup Series tickets at MIS officially going on sale to the public on Saturday, Dec. 15, MIS is offering race fans the opportunity to take advantage of its "Half Now, Half Later" payment plan. The plan will provide fans a little bit of financial relief during the holiday season. Fans that purchase tickets from December 15 until the green flag for the
50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500 on February 17 can pay half of their order up front with the other half due on March 11. This plan is only available to new customers. Michigan International Speedway is spending about $10 million in the coming months to continue enhancing the speedway based on feedback from the fans. The latest round of improvements will be completed by the start of the track's 40th season of racing in June.
Projects on tap for 2008 include:
* A three-sided LED leaderboard.
* Some 300 new campsites sites with electric hookups will be added to the Graves Farm Campground.
* Installing directional signage around its 1,400-acre property in many of the parking lots and campgrounds.
* Additional improved seating. Two additional grandstands in Turn One have been torn down and will soon be replaced with a grandstand that has wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room.
Tickets will go on sale at 8:00am/et on Saturday, Dec. 15 at MIS' official Web site, www.MISpeedway.com or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(12-13-2007)
- Several Capital Improvements Approved at MIS: With Michigan International Speedway celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2008, the Irish Hills track has begun construction on several capital improvement projects that will strengthen the speedway's on-going commitment to its race fans. Michigan International Speedway will spend about $10 million in the coming months to continue enhancing the speedway based on feedback from the fans. The latest round of improvements will be completed by the start of the track's 40th season of racing in June. Projects include:
• A new, state-of-the-art 142-foot, three-sided LED leaderboard. The scoreboard, higher than the 130-foot Scoring Tower, will replace three scoreboards at MIS, two in the turns and one in the center and be visible from all grandstand seats, as well as several of the infield camping sites. The old center scoreboard only showed the top-five positions, a far cry from the new leaderboard display which can track all 43 drivers in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The scoreboard can also be programmed to show video and graphics displays, setting the industry standard for motorsports venues.
• The first phase of a signage project throughout MIS property will also begin. The branded signage will help pedestrians, motorists and campers find their way in, out and around the 1,400-acre racetrack property.
• Some 300 new campsites sites with electric hookups will be added to the Graves Farm Campground, bringing the total number of campsites at MIS to nearly 9,000.
• A permanent restroom/shower building will be built in the Graves Farm Campground.
• Michigan International Speedway is moving forward with additional improved seating. Two additional grandstands in Turn One have been torn down and will soon be replaced with a grandstand that has wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room. The project began last year when one of the old "silver" grandstands was torn down and replaced with seats that are four inches wider than seats in the old grandstands. The project does not add seats, but merely replaces old seats.
• An additional restroom building will also be constructed behind the new grandstands.
• Lastly, as part of the grandstand replacement project, MIS will be acquiring more than 32,000 grandstand seats from the former Pikes Peak International Raceway for future "silver" grandstand replacement.
Deposits for the 40th race season are being accepted until Friday, Nov. 2 by calling the MIS ticket office. Deposits can be redeemed on December 10th or 11th. Placing a deposit allows customers to purchase tickets after the renewal process but before they go on sale to the public. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007. For additional information, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(10-10-2007)
- MIS to offer insurance in 2008: In the future, auto racing fans who miss a race due to rain will have a chance to get their money back. Rain forced the postponement of Sunday's 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. The race was rescheduled for noon today, and tickets for the race will be honored whenever the race is run. But there will be no refunds for fans who may not be able to return on the second -- or third -- race day due to weather. Starting next season, race fans will have an option. Ticket insurance will be offered by World Access, which announced a deal Aug. 8 with MIS owner International Speedway Corp. The insurance company will cover refunds for postponements due to weather as well as for fans who are unable to attend a race due to other unforeseen situations, including medical issues, traffic accidents, jury duty and loss of employment. "Something like this is perfect for a rain date," said Sammie Lukaskiewicz, director of communications for MIS. "The unfortunate part about motorsports is that we can't put a dome over it." Pricing has not been announced for the insurance, but in a deal that the insurance company made with Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del., the insurance plan cost 5% of the price of the ticket with a minimum of $6.25. The rainout Sunday was the first for a NASCAR Nextel Cup race at MIS since 1977.(Michigan Live)(8-20-2007)
- MIS seeks improvements: Officials at Michigan International Speedway plan to ask their parent company for a number of significant infrastructural changes to the speedway. Before that, they may need help from Cambridge Township officials. MIS controller Dan DuBois outlined a five-point plan for proposed improvements to the nearly 40-year-old facility during the regular township board meeting held last Wednesday. DuBois told township officials that the speedway now qualifies for an industrial facilities tax abatement and would like to create an IFT zone at MIS. A tax abatement saves a company nearly half of the new taxes on improvements for a determined amount of years.
A bill introduced by Michigan Sen. Jason Allen on April 17, 2007, to revise the eligibility criteria for granting a property tax abatement under the law that authorizes these for industrial facilities to also allow granting a tax break to a "qualified logistical and distribution center" that administers catastrophe response for private corporations and governmental entities, including education and training, communications and data support, delivery of food, water, and safety equipment, and aviation support. The bill would allow a tax break for a particular firm considering locating a business like this at the Pellston regional airport. An amendment offered by State Rep. Mike Simpson on May 8 also authorized a business tax break for the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The bill was signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm later in the month. DuBois said the speedway would like to update facilities under a proposed plan to be considered by International Speedway Corporation in the neighborhood of $25 to $40 million. The tax abatement -- if approved by the Cambridge board -- could save the speedway $300,000 to $500,000 dollars per year. A "normal" tax abatement -- according to Cambridge Clerk Rick Richardson -- is for 12 years. The speedway controller said that MIS would like to replace seats in two grandstands near Turn 1 with wider ones that include backs; would like to replace three scoring towers; plans to expand camping at the Graves Farm by more than 330 sites; would make improvements to signage on the property; and replace the public address system. DuBois said the speedway is also "considering" redoing the garage area in 2010. "Our plan is to build up the infrastructure to increase the number of fans," DuBois said. "Obviously we are competing with 11 other tracks for funding . . . an IFT [agreement] could help our case." On a $25 million project, the speedway would save $300,000 according to DuBois. The township board would have to approve a specified area for an IFT district. The township board authorized a public hearing to be held on September 12 at 6:45 p.m., prior to its regular monthly meeting.(The Exponent)(8-18-2007)
- Headliners to Highlight Innovation, Car Care and Performance at MIS: Amazing cars, celebrities and a ‘who’s who’ of NASCAR personalities will attend this year’s 3M Car Care Auto Fair at Michigan International Speedway on August 18-19. Special guests schedule to appear include: Jimmie Vaughan, Jack Roush, Ray Evernham, Courtney Hansen, Larry McReynolds, Robin Pemberton and Sam Memmolo, along with NASCAR drivers Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs, Michael Waltrip, Elliott Sadler, Paul Menard, Matt Kenseth, J.J. Yeley and Todd Kluever. The 3M Car Care Auto Fair is free to race fans and will be open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza behind the track’s main grandstand. Top 3M Car Care product experts will be on hand both days to address customer questions on car restoration, maintenance and performance.(PR)(8-14-2007)
- Blues Musician Jimmie Vaughan to perform National Anthem at MIS: Famous contemporary blues musician and classic car enthusiast Jimmie Vaughan steps to the stage as he mixes his two passions – music and cars – during the 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup Series race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Vaughan will perform
during the 3M Car Care Auto Fair on Saturday, August 18 and perform the National Anthem prior to the 3M Performance 400 on Sunday, August 19. Vaughan’s distinct style as a musician, songwriter and bandleader has made him a living legend. In addition to his four solo albums since 1990, Vaughan has recorded and performed with Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Don Henley [his late great brother Stevie Ray Vaughan] and countless others. Vaughan is currently on tour opening for Bob Dylan. His upcoming album with Omar Kent Dykes, titled “On The Jimmy Reed Highway,” will be available in stores August 21. In addition to performing the National Anthem for the 3M Performance 400, Vaughan will appear Saturday at the 3M Car Care Auto Fair held in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza behind the main grandstand during the 3M Performance 400 race weekend at MIS. The 3M Car Care Auto Fair is free to race fans and will be open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.(MIS PR)(8-11-2007)
- 3M Donates Tickets To USO For MIS: 3M, title sponsor of the upcoming Nextel Cup Series 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway, and the USO are helping Michigan’s military families enjoy the race weekend. 3M Performance 400 race tickets will be distributed for free to military personnel and their families at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on Saturday, August 11 at 4:00pm during a Mobile USO base visit. During the event military personnel and their families may tour the Mobile USO and use the vehicle’s many amenities. For more than 66 years, the USO has served our troops in traditional USO centers as well as on the road, providing morale boosting programs and services to troops and their families. In 2006, the USO took these programs and services to a higher level, with three new Mobile USOs. The Mobile USO program is designed to bring a “home away from home” directly to service members stationed in remote and isolated areas throughout the United States. The Mobile USO is a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with the comforts of a “brick and mortar” USO center. It features lounge areas and internal and external entertainment capabilities, gaming consoles, computer work stations with Internet connectivity and cafes. For more information on the USO and its programs and services, please visit www.uso.org.(MIS PR)(8-10-2007)
- Hudson Hornet featured of MIS Trophy: The winner of the 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup series race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) August 19 will hoist a trophy that honors the racing history of the region and celebrates the modern popularity of the sport. The 3M Performance 400 race trophy features a Detroit-built NASCAR legend – the 1951 Hudson Hornet – cast in a modern glass and chrome design. The classic design features a 1951 Hudson Hornet placed in front of a glass checkered flag backdrop featuring the 3M Performance 400 logo above the word “Champion.” The trophy revolves around a layered chrome base. Its modern glass design was inspired by the flash and excitement of the present-day sport and the growing popularity of NASCAR racing. The Hudson Hornet was built in Detroit by Hudson Motor Car Company from 1951 to 1954. It became popular in the NASCAR Grand National series in 1951 because of its light weight and low center or gravity. Nicknamed “The Fabulous Hudson Hornet,” the car dominated the Grand National Series and helped Herb Thomas become the first ever two-time series champion. For tickets to the 3M Performance 400, visit www.mispeedway.com.(MIS PR)(8-9-2007)
- Smash Mouth concert at MIS: Michigan International Speedway will host a special post-race concert featuring the pop/rock band Smash Mouth following the CARFAX 250 Busch Series event Saturday, Aug. 18. The concert will be presented by the SPEED Channel. Fans that have purchased tickets to the CARFAX 250 Busch Series race may use their ticket stubs for gate admission to the post-race concert outside Turns One and Two. With the purchase of a $50 ticket for the CARFAX 250, with children 12 and under admitted free, fans will be in store for an event filled day with two Nextel Cup Series practices, Busch Series qualifying, the CARFAX 250, and a concert by the hit music group Smash Mouth. Tickets for the remainder of the 2007 race season at MIS, including the Firestone Indy 400 IndyCar Series race on Aug. 5, the CARFAX 250 Busch Series race on Aug. 18, and the 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Aug. 19, are on sale by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010 or by visiting MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(8-8-2007)
- MIS releases 2008 dates: NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, now known as the Nextel Cup Series, will return to Michigan International Speedway for two race weekends in 2008. America's premier motorsports series with the country's biggest names in auto racing will celebrate 40 seasons of racing at MIS next year on June 15 and Aug. 17. Michigan International Speedway will not host the IndyCar Series in 2008 due to the inability to secure a viable date. Race fans may see the IndyCar Series race at MIS on Aug. 5. The high-speed action of the Firestone Indy 400 is held on the series' only two-mile oval and is known for its thrilling and close finishes and wide racing groove. Tickets are also on sale for the upcoming NASCAR weekend - the 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Aug.
19 and the CARFAX 250 Busch Series race on Aug. 18. The speedway made significant changes to enhance the fan experience at Michigan International Speedway this season, including the refining of outbound traffic patterns and replacement of grandstands in Turn One with bigger, wider seats with seatbacks. The speedway is looking into other projects that will keep NASCAR racing, as well as other potential events, at the speedway in the future. For tickets to any events or for information about camping or fan hospitality for 2007, please call the track's ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 or log onto the speedway's official Web site, MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(7- 17-2007)
- Traffic Egress out of MIS shows much improvement: Race fans at Michigan International Speedway for this past weekend's Nextel Cup Series Citizens Bank 400 event should have noticed some significant improvements to their race-day traffic. Track President Roger Curtis said changes in the traffic patterns and road improvements around the track dramatically reduced egress time out of the facility. Curtis estimates parking lots for the 1,400-acre facility were moving freely or cleared in about two hours following the Citizens Bank 400 on Sunday - a significant change from the four to five hours it has been known to take. "I'm proud to say that we made huge strides to improve the total race experience for our fans - from the moment they left their homes to the moment they returned after the race and everything in between," Curtis said. "I knew, having been to MIS many times as a race fan, the track had a reputation for traffic. Along with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the surroundings townships, we have made improving that element of the fans' experience a priority." About 150,000 guests in nearly 40,000 vehicles traveled to MIS for the Nextel Cup Series Citizens Bank 400. MIS staff worked closely with Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation; POCO, Inc., a traffic control device company; and area
county and township law enforcement to manage race-day traffic and parking for the race. The track's parking supervisors and operations
staff coordinated it all with the help of countless volunteer groups. Curtis also credits the State of Michigan and its 2006 allocation of
$18.5 million in safety and access improvements along U.S. 127 and U.S. 12, the key corridors that surround MIS. The state's three-year plan includes directional signage to MIS along the state highways and interstates near the track, enabling race fans to navigate their way
safely to the speedway. Curtis and guest services staff at Michigan International speedway have already received e-mails and phone messages from ticket holders shortly following the race who were surprised by how well traffic moved. Tickets are available for the Busch Series CARFAX 250 on August 18 and the Nextel Cup Series 3M Performance 400 on August 19 by calling the official MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 or by visiting MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(6-22-2007)
- MIS Improvement Projects Approved: Michigan International Speedway's continued commitment to race fans took another important step with the approval of several capital improvement projects for the 2007 summer racing season. Although MIS has yearly goals, its primary goal of providing the best possible experience to the race fan is ongoing. With previous announcements regarding grandstand replacements in Turn One and revised outbound traffic patterns, MIS will also make a number of smaller improvements for 2007. Some of the capital improvement projects for 2007 include the design of new scoreboards for future installation, installing showers for the Northwoods/Northfield campground, additional paved tram routes, a larger Nextel Vision screen in turns one and two, pedestrian directional signage on the MIS property, two new jet-dryers and in-depth research for a new site plan, which will lay the groundwork for future improvements. Several other fan enhancement projects have already been announced and are currently underway. Grandstands in Turn One have been torn down and are being replaced. The new grandstands offer race fans premium seating and amazing sightlines of MIS' two-mile oval. The new seats are four inches wider than the seats in the old grandstands and will allow fans to have more leg room. All of the new seats are bench-style with seat backs. The new grandstands are also 10 rows higher than the old grandstands so fans who sit there will have breathtaking views of all the on-track action at MIS - including a fantastic view down pit road. The new seats will carry Michigan International Speedway's familiar and distinct yellow and red pattern. Traffic patterns for Nextel Cup Series race days are also being improved. The refined patterns will make traffic flow out the speedway faster following Nextel Cup races. MIS is in the process of enhancing tram stops and will purchase additional trams for guests with disabilities. Tickets for all MIS races, including the Nextel Cup Series Citizens Bank 400 on June 17 and the 3M Performance 400 on August 19, are on sale by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010 or by visiting www.MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(5-11-2007)
- Citizens Bank to sponsor June race at MIS: One of the largest banks headquartered in the state of Michigan will take center stage at Michigan International Speedway on June 17 for the running of the Nextel Cup Series Citizens Bank 400 on Father's Day weekend. The strategic alliance between MIS and Citizens Bank, a subsidiary of Citizens Republic Bancorp (NASDAQ:CRBC), also makes Citizens Bank the "Official Bank of Michigan International Speedway" in 2007. Citizens Bank will have in-market, promotional rights and benefits for the June Nextel Cup Series weekend, as well as premium signage around the MIS property during the campaign.
More information about Citizens Republic Bancorp is available at www.citizensbanking.com. To purchase tickets to events at MIS, or for more information, log on to www.MISpeedway.com, or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(3-16-2007)
- MIS Refines Outbound Traffic Plan: In a continuing commitment to improve the fan experience at Michigan International Speedway, track officials, together with the Michigan Department of Transportation and surrounding townships, have made changes to the speedway's outbound traffic pattern. These outbound traffic initiatives are some of the most significant improvements at Michigan International Speedway in the track's 39-year history. MDOT and MIS studied the traffic patterns extensively over the past six months to come up with the revised post-race traffic plan. More than 150,000 guests in about 40,000 vehicles travel to the racetrack for a Nextel Cup Series race, so Curtis stressed the importance of strong partnerships with MDOT, the Michigan State Police, POCO, Inc., a traffic control device company, and township law enforcement agencies to manage race-day traffic for each race weekend. Finally, the track's operations staff and parking supervisors coordinate it all with the help of countless volunteer groups and GameDay Management Group, a traffic control company that has supervised traffic control for events such as the Daytona 500 and Detroit's Super Bowl XL in 2006.
Following the speedway's Nextel Cup Series races on Sunday, June 17 and Sunday, Aug. 19, outbound traffic will be routed as follows: A one-way pattern will occur on M-50 North from Brooklyn to Napoleon; The two-lane outbound pattern on US-12 East will extend from MIS to M-52. A modified version of this traffic pattern on a smaller scale was tested following the August 2006 NEXTEL Cup race with immediate results. Curtis said he received several e-mails and phone calls from race fans after that race who said they noticed a significant decrease in the time it took to travel back to their homes. The traffic initiatives are another step in Michigan International
Speedway's commitment to the fans. Several other fan enhancement projects for 2007 are under way at MIS. Tickets for all the speedway's races, including the Nextel Cup Series Michigan 400 on June 17 and the 3M Performance 400 on August 19, are on sale by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010 or by visiting www.MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(1-30-2007)
- MIS presents Racing Day at Detroit Auto Show: Michigan International Speedway will bring the excitement of NASCAR to downtown Detroit during the 2007 North American International Auto Show on January 13-21 at Cobo Convention Center. As part of Michigan International Speedway's involvement, the speedway will sponsor "Racing Day at the Auto Show" on Thursday, Jan. 18 at the most prestigious auto show in the United States. Racing Day will feature an MIS display in Michigan Hall (on the lower level of Cobo Center) which will have the actual Nextel Cup Championship trophy on display, along with various show cars, including the championship-winning #48 Lowe's Chevy, the #20 Home Depot Chevy and the #24 DuPont Chevy. The #8 Budweiser Chevy as well as other race cars, will be on display for Auto Show visitors in the upstairs lobby of Cobo Hall. A number of autograph sessions will take place at "Racing Day at the Auto Show" throughout the day. While at the auto show, fans can pick up Michigan International Speedway calendars at the track's display in Michigan Hall while supplies last, or test their driving skills in an Indy-car simulator. Tickets to the Nextel Cup Series events will go on sale to the general public at the Auto Show on January 13. Tickets can be purchased at the MIS ticket booth in Cobo Arena. Tickets to the track's Nextel Cup Series races at MIS, the June 17 Michigan 400 and the August 19 3M Performance 400, will also go on sale at 8:00am/et on Saturday, January 13 at MIS' official Web site,
MISpeedway.com or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(1-10-2007)
- MIS Projects Begin: Michigan International Speedway's fan enhancement projects, which were announced by the track in October, are beginning to take shape with the replacing of new grandstands in Turn One. The old grandstands have been removed and concrete foundations for the new seating are being poured. Southern Bleacher Company has begun the project and is contracting much of the work to various businesses from throughout the Midwest and State of Michigan. Two existing grandstands in Turn One are being replaced with new, fan friendly grandstands. The new grandstands will offer race fans premium seating and amazing sightlines of the two-mile oval. Seats in the new grandstands are four inches wider than the seats in the old grandstands, and will allow fans to have more leg room. In addition, all of the new seats are bench-style with seat backs. The new grandstands are also higher than the old grandstands so fans who sit there will have breathtaking views of all the on-track action at MIS - including a fantastic view down pit road. The new seats will carry Michigan International Speedway's familiar and distinct yellow and red pattern.
This is just the first of several projects that MIS is doing to enhance the race fans' experience for 2007. Along with the new Turn One seating, MIS has also announced plans for enhanced tram stops and additional trams for disabled guests, as well as RV camping along pit road. A new parking lot for Skylounge Suite holders is also being constructed next to the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza. Deposits for the 2007 season are being accepted until Friday, Dec. 15 by calling the MIS ticket office at 1-800-354-1010. Deposits can be redeemed starting Jan. 3, 2007. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007. For additional information, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(12-4-2006)
- MIS Taking Deposits for 2007 Nextel Cup Events Deposits can be made starting Monday, August 21, 2006 until Friday, December 15th, 2006 by calling the MIS ticket office. Deposits can be redeemed starting January 3, 2007. Placing a deposit allows customers to purchase tickets AFTER their renewal process but BEFORE their public on sale. For additional information, please call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS Site)(8-22-2006)
- New Director of Communications named at MIS: Kansas Speedway public relations staff member Sammie Lukaskiewicz has been named Director of Communications for Michigan International Speedway, track president Roger Curtis announced. Lukaskiewicz, one of the original employees at Kansas Speedway who saw the speedway grow from construction in 2000 to its opening the following year, will assume her new duties at MIS on October 9 after the completion of the October 1 Banquet 400 at the Kansas City, Kan., track. As senior manager of public relations for Kansas Speedway, Lukaskiewicz worked with local, national and international media covering events at the track, developed and wrote all the content for the speedway's press releases and Web site, acted as official spokeswoman for the track and oversaw the speedway's credentials. Lukaskiewicz will be replacing Bill Janitz, who will leave MIS in September to work for the auto racing PR agency True Speed Communication, after more than five years at the two-mile oval.(MIS PR)(8-18-2006)
- Peck to sing National Anthem prior to Cup race at MIS: Aspiring country sensation Danielle Peck has opened for stars like Toby Keith and Brad Paisley and performed the national anthem for the NFL. Now, she will bring her talents to the Nextel Cup Series and open the GFS Marketplace 400 before the largest single-day sporting crowd in the state of Michigan. Born and raised in nearby Coshocton, Ohio, Peck will perform The Star-Spangled Banner on Sunday, August 20 at Michigan International Speedway prior to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series GFS Marketplace 400.(MIS PR)(8-16-2006)
- Tix still available for Michigan events: Tickets to all remaining events during the 2006 MIS season delivered by Domino's Pizza, including the ARCA Series Hantz Group 200 on August 18, the Busch Series Carfax 250 on August 19, and the Nextel Cup Series GFS Marketplace 400 on August 20, are currently on sale at MIS's official website, www.MISpeedway.com or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(8-16-2006)
- Tailgate of a Lifetime Tailgating Championship at MIS: The winner of Celebrity chef Mario Batali's the Tailgate of a Lifetime Tailgating Championship will be selected during the finals at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, August 19. In addition to the all-expense paid trip to MIS to compete for the championship title, the winner will also go home with $10,000 cash and a tailgating prize pack from Lifetime. In 2006, The Tailgate of a Lifetime will play host to a projected 50,000 NASCAR fans! Following the NASCAR Busch Series Carfax 250, all race ticket holders will be invited to the Michigan International Speedway Watertower field where all will be invited to take place a massive tailgating celebration and concert performance. More info at tailgateofalifetime.com.(Hunter PR)(8-16-2006)
- MIS Sellout streak over: After selling out 30 straight Nextel Cup races, Michigan International Speedway came up just short at yesterday's 3M Performance 400 and ended that streak. Without releasing exact figures, MIS officials said the race sold slightly fewer than the 137,243 permanent seats it has available. Additional fans view the race from the infield, bringing yesterday's crowd to an estimated 150,000.(Todelo Blade)(6-19-2006)
- Tickets still available for Michigan races: The 3M Performance 400 presented by Post-It* Picture Paper at Michigan International Speedway, still has tickets availbe for the Nextel Cup race as well oas the Truck Series and ARCA race. Tickets are available for all races by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 or by logging on to www.MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(6-13-2006)
- National Anthem at MIS: Josh Gracin has performed live and on television for thousands of people, and now he will entertain the largest single-day sporting crowd in the state of Michigan. Born and raised in Westland, Michigan, Gracin returns to his home state on Sunday, June 18th to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at Michigan International Speedway prior to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series 3M Performance 400 presented by Post-it Picture Paper.(MIS PR)(6-13-2006)
- Michigan Governor announces road improvement plans for MIS: Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced
$18.5 million will be spent over the next three years in road projects to improve safety and access to Michigan International Speedway (MIS), including $7.5 million in accelerated projects. The announcement is the result of an agreement between the Granholm Administration, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), MIS, and local lawmakers, in cooperation with the Michigan State Police. The projects will create more than 60 new jobs. The accelerated projects will center along US-127 and US-12 and will coordinate with scheduled race weekends at MIS over the next three summers, with construction beginning as early as fall 2006. The accelerated projects will be paid for with a combination of federal safety dollars and Transportation Economic Development funding. All planning and design for these US-127 corridor improvements will begin in 2006 with construction scheduled to be completed in advance of the 2009 race season.(MIS PR)(6-8-2006)
- Adam Sandler named Grand Marshal for June race at MIS: There will already be plenty of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series stars at Michigan International Speedway for the 3M Performance 400, but June 18th has gotten even brighter with the naming
of popular film star Adam Sandler as the race's Grand Marshal. Adam Sandler is the star of over a dozen films including the blockbuster comedies The Longest Yard, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates and Big Daddy, to name just a few. Sandler, who will give the command to start engines as well as participate in other pre-race ceremonies, is appearing at MIS only days before the June 23 release of his newest film, Columbia Pictures/Revolution Studios' comedy Click where Sandler portrays Michael Newman, a family man whose busy career as an architect doesn't leave much time for his wife, Donna (Kate Beckinsale), and two kids. Unable to figure out which of his many remotes turns on the television, he goes shopping for a universal remote and finds the perfect device through Morty (Christopher Walken), who gives him a one-of-a-kind remote with magical powers. With each click, Michael is able to control his career and personal life. But complications arise when the remote starts to overrule his choices. Click also stars David Hasselhoff as Michael's boss, Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner as his parents and Sean Astin. Sandler, who has attended other NASCAR races, will be seeing his first at MIS. Tickets for both NEXTEL Cup Series races at MIS, are currently on sale at MIS' official website, MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(5-24-2006)
- MIS President to step down after 2006: W. Brett Shelton, President of Michigan International Speedway will step down from his position at the end of the 2006 racing season at MIS. Roger A. Curtis, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for California Speedway, has been named as Shelton's replacement and will move to MIS to begin working on the transition immediately. "My wife Elisabeth, our son Blake and I have enjoyed our five, going on six seasons at MIS immensely which made this a difficult decision," said
Shelton, who is planning to move his family back to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. "The fans at MIS are arguably the best in racing and we have a tremendous seasoned staff which should make the transition much easier. I've had a chance to work with Roger Curtis for a number of years during our time with ISC and I think he'll be a great fit for MIS." Curtis, 39, a Terre Haute, Indiana native, brings over 15 years of Motorsports experience to MIS and is looking forward to returning to his Midwest roots.(MIS PR)(5-13-2006)
- MIS June race to be named Con-Way Freight 200: Ann Arbor-based Con-way Freight Inc., and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) have announced that the less-than-truckload freight transportation company will be the title sponsor of the Saturday, June 17 "Con-way Freight 200" Truck Series race at MIS. In addition to its title sponsorship of the race, Con-way Freight Inc. is the primary sponsor of Truck Series driver and Michigan native Jack Sprague, who is piloting the #60 Con-way Freight Toyota Tundra throughout the 2006 season for Wyler Racing. (Michigan International Raceway)(5-10-2006)
- Carfax to sponsor MIS Busch race: Carfax and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) announced that Carfax will be the title sponsor of the August 19 "Carfax 250" NASCAR Busch Series race at MIS. As the first NASCAR sponsorship of any kind for Carfax, the company is looking to make a lasting impression on the millions of racing fans around the country. Consumers can celebrate the company's entrance into the sport through an online sweepstakes Carfax launched recently called Picking Up the Pace. The two-part sweepstakes features grand prize drawings for two fun-filled race weekends at MIS and a ride in the official pace car during each race. For the chance to be a winner and part of racing history simply log on to www.carfax250.com and fill in the entry form. This year will mark the first of three years Carfax is sponsoring the NASCAR Busch Series race at MIS. Tickets are available now for the both NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series races by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010 or by logging on to www.MISpeedway.com.(MIS PR)(4-30-2006)
- 3M to sponsor June race at Michigan: 3M Company and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) announced that 3M will be the title sponsor of the June 18 "3M Performance 400" Nextel Cup Series race at MIS. This year will mark the first of three years of 3M sponsorship of Nextel Cup races at MIS. In addition to its title sponsorship of the 3M Performance 400, 3M is the primary sponsor of Busch Series driver Todd Kluever who will pilot the #06 3M Ford Fusion throughout the 2006 season for Roush Racing. Kluever will replace Mark Martin in the Nextel Cup Series in 2007. 3M's title sponsorship will complement the 3M Car Care Auto Fair to be held on the MIS grounds during the August 18-20, 2006, race weekend. The fair will showcase more than 250 collector cars and host thousands of NASCAR fans during the GFS Marketplace 400 weekend at MIS. Tickets are available now for the both NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
weekends, the June 18 3M Performance 400 and the August 20 GFS Marketplace 400 by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010 or by logging on to www.MISpeedway.com. The 3M Performance 400 will also be televised live on Fox. For more information about 3M, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.(MIS PR)(2-20-2006)
- Tickets go on sale at Michigan Jan 14th: With the 2006 race season at Michigan International Speedway quickly approaching, it's time for fans to mark this Saturday, January 14, on their calendars, as tickets and camping for both NASCAR
NEXTEL Cup Series events will be on sale to the general public. After celebrating a successful 2005 campaign, which featured MIS' 29th
and 30th consecutive NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series sellouts, the 2006 schedule will again feature seven races over three weekends. Tickets to both NEXTEL Cup Series races at MIS, the June 18 Michigan 400 and the August 20 GFS Marketplace 400, will go on sale at 8:00 AM EST on Saturday, January 14 at MIS' official website, MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010. Tickets will also be available at MISpeedway.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting January 14.(MIS PR)(1-13-2006)
- MIS Night of Champs raises over $66k: The Night of Champions event, hosted by Michigan International Speedway on June 17 has continued to show steady growth since its inception in 2001. The 2005 event netted over $66,000 for the Lenawee County Boys & Girls Club and Hospice of Lenawee County. In fact, the Night of Champions auction had 19 items donated from various local businesses, and Porcher's Seldom Blues Dinner at his personal club collected the highest dollar amount at $5,000. Approximately 250 people attended the Night of Champions event, which is held on Friday night of the June NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend at MIS. It was a successful event, which has seen its attendance grow steadily since 2001.(MIS PR)(10-21-2005)
- MIS Drive for Relief Raises over $20k: Participants in the September 12-16 "Drive for Relief" at Michigan International Speedway gave the general public a rare chance to take their personal vehicles around the historic 2-mile oval. The event was held in conjunction with the American Red Cross in response to Talladega Superspeedway's call to action to all sister tracks throughout International Speedway Corporation (ISC) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The week-long event raised over $20,000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Hundreds of cars made their way to MIS for a lap on the track from Michigan, Ohio, and as far away as Ontario, Canada and Southern Indiana.(MIS PR)(9-23-2005)
