June 2012 Race Winner: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 139.144mph, started 17th

August 2012 Race Winner: #16-Greg Biffle, 144.662mph, started 13th

Track Race Record: Dale Jarrett, June 1999, 173.997mph (no cautions)

Slowest Track Race Record: Richard Petty, 107.583mph, 8/24/1975

Oldest Race Winner: Harry Gant, 52 years, 7 months, 6 days, 8/16/1992

Youngest Race Winner: Kurt Busch, 24 years, 10 months, 11 days, 6/15/2003

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Mark Martin, started 32nd, 6/14/2009

June 2012 Pole Sitter: #9-Marcos Ambrose, 203.241mph, finished 9th

August 2012 Pole Sitter: #55-Mark Martin, 1999.706mph, finished 35th

New Track Qualifying Record: #9-Marcos Ambrose, June 20125, 203.241mph (after repave 2012)

Old Track Qualifying Record: #12-Ryan Newman, June 2005, 194.232mph (before repave 2012)

Oldest Pole Winner: Mark Martin, 53 years, 7 months, 8 days, 8/17/2012

Young Pole Winner: Jeff Gordon, 23 years, 10 months, 14 days, 6/18/1995

Most Wins: 9 - David Pearson

Most Wins (active): 5 - Mark Martin

Most Poles: 10 - David Pearson

Most Wins (active): 5 - Mark Martin

Most Top 5s: 21 - Cale Yarborough

Most Top 5s (active): 18 - Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin

Most Top 10s: 31 - Mark Martin

Most Lead Changes: 65 - 8/16/1981

Fewest Lead Changes: 7 - 8/12/1984

Most Leaders: 15, 6/20/1982

Fewest Leaders: 5, five times, last on 8/12/1984

Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 162, Rusty Wallace, 8/20/1989

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 1, Mark Martin, 6/14/2009

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 37, 6/18/2006 [rained out lap 129]

Most Running at the Finish: 41, five times, last on 8/21/2007

Fewest Running at the Finish: 14 - 6/16/1974

Most Cautions: 10 - 8/20/2006

Fewest Cautions: 0 - three times, last on 6/13/1999

Most Caution Laps: 63, 8/24/1975

Few Caution Laps: 0 - three times, last on 6/13/1999

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 32 - Ford; 20 - Chevy

Races won from the top 5: 52 of 87

Races won from the top 10: 67 of 87

Closest margin of victory: 2001, Jeff Gordon over Ricky Rudd - 0.085 seconds

Greatest margin of victory: 1989, Rusty Wallace over Morgan Shepherd - 15.71seconds

Book: 40 Years of Champions by Dick Trajnowski

Michigan National Guard on board for race sponsorship in August: The Michigan National Guard is partnering with Michigan International Speedway and sponsoring the Camping World Truck Series race in August. The Michigan National Guard 200 race on Aug. 17 will be the first time that the organization has sponsored a race. The partnership will allow the Michigan National Guard to connect with residents and potential recruits through NASCAR. The Michigan National Guard will also continue to partner with Michigan International Speedway for race activities at all of the events held at the track this year. (Michigan Live)(5-14-2013)

Finger Eleven headlining concert at Michigan:Burlington, Ontario, Canada's own Finger Eleven will headline the free and always popular post-race concert in Lot 10 at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, June 15. The show will begin shortly after the Alliance Truck Parts 250 Nationwide Series race. The concert is free to anyone with an Alliance Truck Parts 250 race ticket, an infield wristband or an APEX wristband. Tony Lucca from the popular television show "The Voice" will open the concert and hand it off to Finger Eleven. Rock music's Finger Eleven earned their confidence album by album, tour by tour and song by song. The band has worked the road non-stop since 1998 and has released successful albums such as their debut Tip and follow-up, The Greyest of Blue Skies. By the time the band released its third album, self-titled album, Finger Eleven had built a successful career. The band has produced such songs as "Them vs. You vs. Me," "Paralyzer" and "One Thing."(MIS)(5-11-2013)

New website to assist Michigan Speedway guests: Whether you are a first-time visitor to Michigan International Speedway or a long-time guest, NASCAR's fastest track has a new website to help educate guests about MIS and NASCAR. The track has launched www.myMISpeedway.com to aid guests before they attend NASCAR events at the track. With a growing number of fans at MIS being first-timers or guests who are returning after an absence, one of our track's missions has become to educate fans to help them make the most of their experience while at the track. myMISpeedway.com features videos that describe everything at MIS from how to use the trams to how to use FanVision. What is the Rookie Pit Stop at MIS? How does a guest navigate the New Holland Fan Plaza? Watch a series of short videos as Curtis and other speedway employees walk guests through everything needed to know to being a NASCAR fan. Like anything, the website will evolve as content and competition change. The speedway's staff will always be on the lookout for new content and fun ways to make the website helpful, educational and worthwhile.(MIS)(4-15-2013)

MIS part of the ServiceMaster Clean crew at the Daytona 500: The focus of NASCAR is on Daytona International Speedway for the 55th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday. And Michigan International Speedway's maintenance team will take on a significant role as part of the spectacle as proud members of the ServiceMaster Clean crew. The ServiceMaster Clean crew works with NASCAR and helps ensure the track stays clean, dry and ready for racing, driving and maintaining trucks and other track cleaning equipment. Four MIS team members and three of its ServiceMaster Clean jet dryers are at the Great American Race to assist. MIS Senior Director of Facilities Craig Hatch is getting first-hand experience at operating the new Air Titan track drying system NASCAR developed this year. While he hopes to not see action on Sunday, Hatch will be ready if necessary. Hatch will focus his efforts on operating the system to dry the track on the backstretch. In the group of three Air Titans on the backstretch, Hatch will be in the middle truck using a high-pressure air system to dry the track. He will be traveling 3-5 mph while watching the equipment behind him on a video monitor inside his vehicle. He will have three different angles to monitor the progress of the drying and to adjust to the circumstances. The three Air Titans operated by Hatch will be attached to three Ring Power CAT generators by a hose blowing compressed to air to the equipment. He will work in conjunction with a driver in semi hauling the generators to get the racing surface prepared. Specially built trucks will circle the bottom of the track and sweep up the excess water that is blown off by the Air Titan. ServiceMaster Clean jet dryers will continue to follow the entire system to complete the drying process. The entire system is to aid in preparing the track and returning to racing quicker. Hatch will not be the only member of the MIS Maintenance staff working on the ServiceMaster Clean crew. Tim Lamb, Ryan Clark and Gary Cox will each be operating ServiceMaster Clean jet dryers to aid in the clean-up process. Being a part of the ServiceMaster Clean crew is an important and historical significance for MIS. The jet dryer was invented at MIS, initially used as a mechanism to melt snow off the racetrack in wintertime in the 70s. Over time, MIS track officials began using the jet dryer to dry the track after rain delays during racing events. The new Air Titan track drying system debuted during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. This innovative technology, steeped in science and created by the NASCAR Research & Development Center, will reduce track drying time, improve the racing product and enhance the fan experience. Tickets are on sale at MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(2-24-2013)

Michigan to offer WiFi hotspots: Michigan International Speedway is known for being at the forefront of enhancing the fan experience. In 2013, MIS will become the first track in NASCAR to offer free WiFi hotspots to fans. The speedway will launch even more initiatives in 2013 aimed at making the experience at MIS enjoyable and memorable. Free WiFi hotspots will be available throughout the property this year. Available WiFi locations include the Budweiser Party Porch in turn four, Champion's Club presented by CP Federal, Pit Patio, MISCamping.com APEX and MISCamping.com Turn 2 Retreat. Additional WiFi hotspots will be explored and created in the coming years. Track president Roger Curtis added it would be difficult to launch hotspots across the entire 1,400-acre MIS in one swoop. So he's starting in popular areas where fans gather and working his way out. Also new in 2013, MIS will have in-seat service to allow guests to purchase favorite snacks or beverages right from their seat. Auto racing isn't baseball. There's no logical halftime break in the action, and it's not exactly quiet to take and relay orders or change. So to make the process easier, the vendors will have the items printed on their shirts with prices. Guests can simply point to what they want  beer, water, soda, Gatorade and peanuts. The service will start two hours prior to the race and will end with about 25 laps remaining. All sales are cash only.(MIS)(2-8-2013)

Tickets on sale at Michigan: Now is your chance to get in on the exciting action at Michigan International Speedway in 2013, the fastest track in NASCAR. And the prices will never be lower. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will make a pair of stops at MIS in 2013. The opening race will once again be on Father's Day weekend for the Quicken Loans 400 on June 16. The Pure Michigan 400 will take place on Aug. 18 and annually serves as an important race prior to The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. And don't forget: NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying returns to Fridays in 2013 at MIS. The track continues to keep ticket prices low for 2013. Race fans who purchase early will have the best prices and the best seats. Tickets for a NASCAR Sprint Cup race start at $25, with children 12 and under free in certain sections, ensuring families a chance to see NASCAR at affordable prices. You can camp all week long for just $130. The speedway will also continue its junior pricing program where kids 13-16 are half price in reserve seats. In addition, MIS offers a variety of ticket packages for all types of races fans.(MIS)(2-2-2013)

Quicken Loans renews sponsorship of Michigan Cup race: Quicken Loans Inc, the nation's third largest mortgage lender, announced it has again partnered with Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, to sponsor the Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 16. Detroit-based Quicken Loans was a sponsor of the same race in 2012, which saw driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. break his 143-race winless streak. Along with its renewed sponsorship of the Quicken Loans 400, Quicken Loans is the primary sponsor of Stewart-Haas Racing's #39 team and driver Ryan Newman for 18 Sprint Cup races, and an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season. The company also serves as an associate sponsor of three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart and Sprint Cup rookie-of-the-year candidate Danica Patrick, both of whom are teammates with Newman at Stewart-Haas Racing.(TrueSpeed Communications)(1-31-2013)

ISC reports dip in profits: International Speedway Corp. saw a year-over-year decline in both its 2012 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings and revenues, but the narrowing of the revenue decline for its core business operations to less than 1 percent has company officials encouraged. "We experienced leading signs of revenue stabilization this year," stated Lesa France Kennedy, ISC's chief executive officer, in both a news release and Thursday morning conference call with stock analysts. ISC, which operates Daytona International Speedway and a dozen other tracks around that country that host NASCAR races and other motorsports events, generated a net profit of roughly $54.6 million for its fiscal year, which ended Nov. 30, down from $69.4 million in fiscal 2011, and a fourth-quarter net profit of about $24.7 million, down from $26.5 million the same period the previous year. Its revenues totaled $612.3 million in 2012, down from $629.7 million in 2011, and in the fourth quarter it generated $189.4 million in sales, down from $191.9 million the same period the previous year. Kennedy said ISC had year-over-year increases in both revenues from broadcast fees, corporate sponsorships and food, beverage and merchandise sales at races, but "we continue to experience modest headwinds with admissions, not to the degree experienced in 2011, but enough to know we still have further inroads to make with our consumer."(full article at the Daytona Beach News-Journal)(1-25-2013)

Michigan Speedway honored by Jackson Citizen Patriot and its MLive.com: Michigan International Speedway garners a pair of honors from the Jackson Citizen Patriot and its MLive.com media group in a vote of its readers. The media outlet has named MIS its Corporate Citizen of the Year and track President Roger Curtis one of 13 Michiganders to watch in 2013. The MIS mission is to be a part of the community and serve as a showcase for the Irish Hills, while creating business and tourism opportunities. The track annually welcomes visitors from all 50 states and 13 countries during its annual NASCAR, wine festival and other events. But that's not all: the facility is also a fund-raising tool for local groups and serves as a venue for new business opportunities, In addition, MIS and its charity foundation, MIS Cares, hosts numerous events throughout the year to raise funds to donate money back to the community. Curtis has been at the forefront of these initiatives. In a vote of readers of the Jackson Citizen Patriot, Curtis was named one of 13 Michiganders to watch in 2013.(MIS)(1-5-2013)

Michigan International Speedway to host Tough Mudder: NASCAR drivers have always found a way to challenge NASCAR's Fastest Racetrack. But now, a new kind of athlete will find out just how tough MIS can be. Michigan International Speedway has been chosen as the state's only host venue for Tough Mudder, a hardcore, 12-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. The Tough Mudder event will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, at Michigan International Speedway. With innovative and fun obstacle courses, half a million inspiring participants and more than $3 million raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world. In 2012 alone, there were 35 Tough Mudder events with over 460,000 participants across the country. Tough Mudder is expending in 2013 with over 50 events, including more than 35 in the United States.(MIS)(12-22-2012)

Adrian College & MIS expand partnership: Following the success of an ongoing partnership to positively impact the environment while benefitting science, technology and math education, Michigan International Speedway and Adrian College have developed plans for a first-of-its kind science center and science-related field trips at NASCAR's fastest racetrack. This unique partnership in sports will see hundreds of school children and college students from the region benefitting from learning about the ecosystem of the Irish Hills area, but also experiencing nature and conservancy that could contribute to their future work as scientists. The partnership called TRACK AND EXPLORE has provided Adrian College biology students with opportunities to research and study animal and plant life on 900 acres of the 1,400-acre, environmentally rich Michigan International Speedway. Adrian College students have already found and photographed biological samples and developed displays for the MIS offices, enlisting Adrian College art majors for illustrations. Now, in preparation for the next phase of the project, Adrian College students have developed a field guide and self-guided tour book for visitors. More info at MISpeedway.com.(MIS)(11-7-2012)

2013 schedule set at MIS: The high-paced action at Michigan International Speedway, the fastest racetrack in NASCAR, will continue in 2013 with two weekends of racing, June 14-16 and Aug. 16-18. MIS will be just one of 23 racetracks across the United State to host the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2013, with dates set for June 16 and August 18. The NASCAR Nationwide Series will appear with NASCAR's top series on June 15 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on August 17. The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will also make its 32nd appearance at MIS when the Temperance, Mich.-based group races on June 14. All four racing series at MIS established new track qualifying records in 2013 as Marcos Ambrose won the pole for the June Sprint Cup race with a top speed of 203.241 mph, the 11th fastest pole speed in NASCAR history. The track's opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in 2013 will be on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16. Nationwide Series racing will be at MIS on Saturday, June 15. The ARCA Racing Series will race on Friday, June 14. Sprint Cup will wind up its summertime stint only eight weeks later at MIS on Sunday, August 18, with the Camping World Truck Series on Saturday, August 17. The track will continue keeping ticket prices low for 2013. Race fans who renew will have the best prices and the best seats. Tickets for a NASCAR Sprint Cup race start at $25, with children 12 and under free in certain sections, ensuring families have a chance to see NASCAR at affordable prices. The speedway will also continue its junior pricing program where kids 16 and under are half price in reserve seats. Renewals for current ticket customers begins today at www.MISpeedway.com/renewals.(MIS)(9-20-2012)

AMS Reinforces pit road after incident at MIS: After #55-Mark Martin's scary crash into an opening on pit road two weeks ago at Michigan, Atlanta Motor Speedway has beefed up its safety barriers in similar pit road openings for this weekend's races. AMS President and General Manager Ed Clark said the track had added concrete barriers and barrels filled with river sand in X pit-road openings. "It's simple, but it will do the job," Clark said. "I don't know if that's the long-term solution, but it will work for this weekend." The barriers not only need to protect the driver in the event of another unlikely hit, but also keep the pit crews and officials behind the wall safe, and at the same time allow enough room for wreckers to pull in and out.(Atlanta Motor Speedway)
AND: Beginning this weekend, NASCAR is restricting the area around pit road openings to provide more of a buffer between pit road and where media members and track safety and security stand while the race is ongoing. "Evaluating safety issues on pit road has been on ongoing process," said NASCAR spokesperson Kristi King. King said the areas affected would differ from track to track since each track has a unique pit road layout.(Charlotte Observer)(9-2-2012)

NASCAR still reviewing pit designs after Martin crash: No changes are planned for the first race on a high-speed oval since Mark Martin's violent collision with a pit wall at Michigan International Speedway, but NASCAR is reviewing tracks' pit designs. Martin was uninjured after his No. 55 Toyota skidded off Turn 4, down the pit road and into a wall opening at a sharp angle just behind the driver's-side door. The odds are slimmer that a car could squeeze through an opening in the same way during Sunday's AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "Michigan had an incredibly large (pit) opening compared to some racetracks, probably twice the opening that the Atlanta openings are," vice president of competition Robin Pemberton told USA TODAY Sports. "Each (track) is unique, and sometimes it'll take a unique change to prevent something. We are in the process of looking at everything as we go forward."(more at USA Today)(8-31-2012)

Michigan will talk to NASCAR about Martin's pit road wreck: UPDATE: #55-Mark Martin walked away from his crash at Michigan International Speedway, but the side of his car was essentially impaled by the end of the wall, raising questions about whether that spot - a gap in the barrier on pit road that leaves the edge of the wall exposed - creates a safety risk. MIS later released a statement. "The safety of the drivers is paramount," a spokeswoman said. "So we will seek NASCAR's opinion and work with them on any recommendations they may have on how we can improve any part of the competition area - that includes pit road, pit wall, the track, anything competition-related."(Associated Press)(8-20-2012)
UPDATE: NASCAR is ready to take a look at Mark Martin's scary crash from over the weekend. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, says Martin's team will be consulted, and aerial photos will be studied. Pemberton says Sunday's incident is a reminder that the work on safety doesn't stop.(Associated Press/ESPN)(8-21-2012)

Kids seating available in turn one at Michigan: Due to the overwhelming response to the family grandstand in turn three, Michigan International Speedway has extended its free seating for kids 12 and under to the turn one grandstand. Kids 12 and under can now sit for free in sections 59-111 in the turn one grandstands. All rows, 1-40 will be available for this special opportunity. A free kids ticket is required for this area. From this vantage point, fans will be treated to a great view as the cars fan out to two and three wide at 200 mph as they approach at nearly top speed. MIS has offered several ticket packages in addition to its kids 12 and under free seating program. These have been instrumental in the increase of children coming with their families to the racetrack. MIS has prided itself in making the race a family affair and the New Holland Fan Plaza allows children of all ages to learn about the sport of NASCAR as well as enjoy activities in the Kids Zone.(MIS)(8-18-2012)

Michigan offering local cuisine for race fans: Race fans from all over the United State are heading to Michigan International Speedway for this weekend's Pure Michigan 400, and local and healthy food options await them. Americrown, the company that provides catering, food and beverage concessions at MIS, has partnered with several local companies to support the economy and provide concessions that can only be found at NASCAR's fastest racetrack. The special sauce that goes on all Coney dogs comes from Jackson, Mich.,-based Todoroff Foods, the company that brought Coney dogs to the state. Have you ever wondered where you can get that special bun that surrounds the juicy eight-ounce angus burger? The fresh brioche roll comes from Stone Hearth Breads and Bakery, just three miles from MIS in Brooklyn. That's 2,000 rolls - all locally baked. Backwoods BBQ concession stand in section 15 has added a new item to its expansive menu and it is sure to be a hit among race fans. The cornmeal dusted PO' Boy sandwich with a spicy remoulade sauce is unique to the Irish Hills. In addition, MIS has many healthy food items throughout its many concession stands on race weekends.(MIS)(8-16-2012)

Radio Host Paul W. Smith to Serve as Honorary Starter at MIS: One of Michigan's most recognizable voices, radio host Paul W. Smith, will take on the role of honorary starter for the Pure Michigan 400 on August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Smith is the morning drive-time host on News/Talk 760 WJR in Detroit. Smith will also receive a pace car ride from NASCAR's official pace car driver and attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers' meeting.(MIS)(8-14-2012)

VFW to Salute America's Military Heroes at MIS: As America's oldest and largest major combat veterans' organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce their line-up of military support programs and activities for the VFW 200 NASCAR race weekend at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), August 16-19. This year marks the fourth year of the MIS-VFW partnership, including three years as the title sponsor of the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The sponsorship at MIS allows the VFW a national platform to recognize and salute veterans as well as raise awareness about the urgent needs of U.S. military personnel and their families. In addition to the VFW 200 race, the VFW and the VFW Foundation have several programs and activities planned at MIS to raise awareness and funds to meet the needs of America's active and retired military, their families and communities:
Salute to Military Families: The VFW, along with supporting sponsor NSK Corporation, will honor over 400 local military guests at the Salute to Military Families hospitality event on Sunday, August 19, for the Pure Michigan 400. Guests will enjoy complimentary pre-race hospitality, goody bags, event t-shirts, pit tours, celebrity appearances, special access to pre-race ceremonies compliments of MIS and grandstand tickets for the Pure Michigan 400. Today's military salaries often don't afford U.S. service members the luxury of attending sporting events or entertainment activities. The Salute to Military Families program was designed to provide unique, VIP experiences at these venues to recognize veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. Since 2009, the VFW and the VFW Foundation has hosted over 1300 local military guests to this special race event at MIS.
Hometown Hero: Specialist John Rendak, U.S. Army National Guard, and his wife Gina of Grand Rapids, Michigan, will attend the race weekend as special guests of the VFW. As the Hometown Hero, Specialist Rendak and his wife will receive exclusive VIP access, including weekend RV accommodations at MIS; admissions to the VFW pit road suite and Salute to Military Families. In addition they will receive garage passes; pace car rides; introductions at the VFW 200 drivers' meeting and pre-race ceremonies passes. After the race they will have access to the VFW 200 victory lane celebration, including a photograph with the race winner. Specialist Rendak served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant from 1981 to 1987 with service in Germany and Honduras. Since 2009, Specialist Rendak has served the U.S. Army National Guard and has served tours in Iraq and Kuwait.
Military Ticket Discount presented by VFW: Active or retired U.S. Military personnel and/or VFW members receive great ticket discounts to all MIS races in August. Sunday tickets start at just $17.50, and discounts are available for Friday and Saturday events. Tickets can be purchased at www.mispeedway.com/military. Offer expires August 13, 2012.
50/50 Charity Raffle benefitting the VFW Foundation: The VFW Foundation will benefit from an exciting new program at MIS, giving fans the chance to win a daily cash prize with proceeds split between the winning ticketholder and the VFW Foundation. Raffle tickets will be sold Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the New Holland Fan Plaza and inside the ticket gates. Winning ticket numbers will be announced at MIS each day and will be posted online following the event.
Funds raised will support the military assistance programs of the VFW, including:
Unmet Needs, which has provided more than $4.3 million in direct financial assistance to over 3,100 military families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and basic food expenses;
Operation Uplink, which has provided over 6.6 million free connections home for deployed troops and hospitalized veterans since 2006; and
Military Assistance Program, which provides troops and their families critical support before, during and after deployment and has hosted nearly 2 million military families at events worldwide since 2007.
Race Program Fundraiser: Michigan International Speedway and Americrown have partnered to donate a dollar from every program sold to the VFW. Americrown sells the official race weekend program at 33 different locations at MIS.
Honoring Our History Travelling Gallery: The VFW has partnered with Waddell & Reed to bring the Honoring Our History Tour to the New Holland Fan Plaza at MIS, August 17-19. The custom 18-wheel "big rig" truck has been transformed into a travelling World War I gallery. The unique exhibit offers a free, interactive and educational experience designed by the National World War I Museum  the first and only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the artifacts, history and personal experiences of World War I. The travelling gallery features 66 World War I artifacts, such as weapons, uniforms, posters and flags and was developed by Waddell & Reed to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary. The company's founders, Chauncy Waddell and Cameron Reed, were both veterans of World War I. The exhibit includes Waddell's flight gear, his flight suit and log book.
The exhibit's mission is to raise awareness and funding for museums and cultural institutions across the country. By travelling to 75 cities in nearly every state, Waddell & Reed hopes to raise $500,000 in total donations over the course of the year. Funds raised at MIS will be split between the National World War I Museum and the VFW Foundation. For more information, please visit www.honoringourhistory.com.
National Anthem Performance by VFW National Home for Children Chorus: Members of the VFW National Home for Children Chorus will perform the National Anthem during pre-race ceremony for the VFW 200 Camping World Truck Series race. They will also receive complimentary tickets to enjoy the VFW 200 race at MIS.
The VFW National Home for Children, located in Eaton Rapids, Mich., serves as a living memorial to America's veterans by helping our nation's veterans and military families. For more information, visit www.vfwnationalhome.org.
Goodyear Gives Back Care Package Event: The VFW and Goodyear have teamed up to host a care package event at MIS on Thursday, August 16. Care packages will be assembled by local volunteers, including VFW members, at MIS and shipped to troops stationed overseas with a special focus on Michigan-based units. The event is part of the annual Goodyear Gives Back program benefitting deployed U.S. Armed Forces and their families directly and through programs operated by Support Our Troops. Consumers and race fans can learn more by visiting www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack.(MIS)(8-14-2012)

Two bands headline Budweiser Acceleration Concert at MIS: A huge lineup of talent headlined by The Romantics and Fuel is planned for the Budweiser Acceleration Concert at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 18. Detroit's own The Romantics will headline the always popular and free post-race concert in Lot 10. The concert will begin shortly after the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The concert is free for anyone with a VFW 200 race ticket. Joining The Romantics will be Fuel, The Last Nova and Ghosts of August. The Romantics cut their teeth on the Detroit streets with sound characterized by the MC5, the Stooges, Bob Seger and the Last Heard, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, the Rationals, SRC and the Underdogs. The band infused it with sincerity, irony, spontaneity and, of course, volume. They favored short hair, short songs and popularized red leather suits. The band has produced such songs as "Hey!...uh-huh!," "Talking in Your Sleep," "What I Like About You," "Little White Lies" and "I Can't Tell You Anything." Fuel will also take the stage for the Budweiser Acceleration Concert on Saturday evening. The band has sold more than 3.5 million albums in the United States and has scored a trio of top five singles, including "Shimmer," "Innocent" and "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)." Fuel has sold out tours all over the world, headlining venues and opening for Aerosmith, Kid Rock, Creed and 3 Doors Down. Fuel is primed to continue its momentum with its latest release, "Angels and Devils." The VFW 200 is at 12:30 pm. The concert will begin shortly after the checkered flag that afternoon. Ticket are on sale at MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(8-8-2012)

Kid Rock to serve as Michigan Grand Marshal: Rock and Roll is coming to Michigan International Speedway, the fastest track in NASCAR. Recording artist, and Michigan resident, Kid Rock has been named this year's Pure Michigan 400 Grand Marshal. Known for his award-winning music and philanthropic efforts, Kid Rock will say the most famous words in racing, "Gentlemen, start your engines," in his role as the grand marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 on August 19. Known around the world for his musical prowess, Kid Rock has sold more than 25 million records since his debut more than a decade ago.(Michigan Speedway)(8-3-2012)

Goodyear confirms new tire combination for Michigan: A tire test at Michigan International Speedway saw fast speeds and happy drivers. The daylong tire test allowed teams and Goodyear to check out the new tires the teams will race when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series return in a few weeks. Goodyear has selected a new combination for the two-mile racetrack  a combination of the original tires from the April test and a slightly softer version of the harder tire used during the June race. Though top speeds were not official, some drivers went about 210 mph on Monday, but only averaged about 195 mph, a little slower than during the previous test in April and the June NASCAR event at the track. The last time drivers were at MIS, the tires were very hard, a last-minute change when some drivers experienced blistering on their tires during practice sessions. To avoid bringing back the same tires, Goodyear developed a new combination. "Back in June was our first race on this new pavement. We digested everything we saw over the weekend, in practice as well as what we had in the race," Greg Stucker, director of Racing Tire Sales for Goodyear, said. "We digested that and looked at all the data, poured over all the comments we got from the teams and drivers, made our recommendation for our package coming up in August. That is why we were here today for, just confirming that." Twenty-eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams participated in a daylong tire confirmation at Michigan International Speedway on Monday. Michigan International Speedway became NASCAR's fastest racetrack in June. Marcos Ambrose's speed of 203.241 mph for the Quicken Loans 400 was the 11th-fastest pole-winning speed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history and the first time the pole winning speed was faster than 200 mph at a track other than Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway. All race tickets are on sale at MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(7-31-2012)

Trams at MIS are an Olympic legacy: Thousands of race fans at Michigan International Speedway are annually touched by the Olympic Games  and they probably don't even know it. With Opening Ceremonies held Friday, officially kicked off the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, speedway Guest Services Director Tim Booth proudly reflects on the legacy the Games have had on Michigan International Speedway. Much of the speedway's tram fleet was used during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996. Shortly after those Olympic Games, MIS officials purchased the trams to transport race guests around the 1,400-acre facility. The speedway's full fleet of double-trailer trams, "nomads" and golf cars moves about 70,000 race fans and employees throughout a NASCAR event weekend. It's a big task, considering recent surveys suggest more and more fans are hitching a tram ride. Booth is always examining the wait time at tram stops, comfort of trams, safety of trams and enjoyment of the ride. As a result, the speedway has invested in building two giant tram plazas in Turn 1 and Turn 4 to efficiently queue guests waiting for a tram, developed an electronic system to track tram stop wait times and installed PAs on the trams. Soon, guests on the north side of the property will notice a significantly less wait time in line and on the tram with a new route that has been created through a stretch inside the MISCamping.com Tree Farm Campground. Other guests will notice a shaded Tram Plaza. All race tickets are on sale at MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(7-30-2012)

Jimmie Johnson ticket package returns at Michigan: Due to the overwhelming success of a similar ticket package in June, Michigan International Speedway and five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will again offer a special ticket offer for children. The track has teamed with Johnson for a specially priced $48 ticket offer which includes one adult ticket, one ticket for any child 12 years or younger, a Q&A session with Johnson and a Sunday scanner rental for the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 19. Every child will receive a Lowe's Build and Grow kit, a wooden replica of Johnson's No. 48 Madagascar 3 race car. This package sold out for June due to its popularity, so fans should not wait to purchase.(MIS)(7-23-2012)

Michigan Cup qualifying moves to Friday: Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway has been moved to Friday, August 17. Gatorade Pole Day is set for Aug. 17, a switch from previously published Saturday, Aug. 18. In addition to NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying at 4:10 p.m., the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series will practice that day. Tickets for Gatorade Pole Day on Friday, August 17 are $10. Kids 12 and under are free. Gatorade Pole Day tickets and tickets for the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series are on sale at http://www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(7-7-2012)

Gordon, Harvick visiting fan hospitality at Michigan: Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick headline the group of NASCAR drivers making an appearance in the Budweiser Acceleration Club during the August NASCAR weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Budweiser Acceleration is one of the fan hospitality areas at MIS, and always a good time. Hospitality package can be purchased individually or for groups. Guests can take part in Acceleration on Saturday or Sunday or double the excitement by attending both days of the event. Admission is $69 for adults and $29 for kids 12 and under, plus a grandstand admission ticket for Saturday. On Sunday it is $179 for adults and $79 for kids for kids 12 and under, plus a grandstand admission ticket. Special guest appearances will be added throughout the weekend. They will be announced as they are confirmed.(MIS)(7-5-2012)

Roush to drive pace car in Michigan NNS race: What's next for Jack Roush, NASCAR team owner, successful Northville businessman, passionate pilot and two-time plane-crash survivor? What about pace-car driver? "Well, they're going to let me drive the Ford Mustang pace car for today's Nationwide Series race," Roush said Friday. "At 8:30 (in the morning), I'm going to get my instructions. I don't know if they'll let me drive afterwards. My guess is I'll just be in the pace car for one of the preliminary laps and won't be there when it's time to turn them loose for the green flag." Roush, 70, is a very competent driver -- he raced dragsters as a youngster and plenty of muscle cars over the years. Today, Roush will be at the wheel of one of his Roush-built Stage 3 Mustangs to pace the race. The vehicle was donated by Roush for auction with a portion of the proceeds going to the SAE International Foundation for science and math education.(Detroit Free Press)(6-16-2012)

Couple getting married at MIS Victory Lane: Roger Curtis seemingly will do anything to improve the fan experience at Michigan International Speedway, including marrying a couple today at victory lane. Curtis, the speedway's president since 2006, offered up the track's prime real estate when Kim Kent and Brice Swanson of Greenville inquired last year about getting married at the track. Curtis also volunteered to become an ordained minister and will perform the ceremony following the NASCAR Nationwide Alliance Truck Parts 250.(Detroit Free Press)(6-16-2012)

Goodyear to change left-side recommendation at Michigan: Based on the higher than expected speeds NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams ran in pre-race practice on the newly repaved Michigan International Speedway, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has decided to change its left-side tire recommendation for Sunday's race. In the final Sprint Cup practice on Friday afternoon, #16-Greg Biffle ran an average speed in excess of 204 mph for his fastest lap. For comparison's sake, when Goodyear tested at Michigan in preparation for this race on April 3-4, the fastest average lap speed topped out in the 198-mph range. The higher speeds caused significantly higher left-side tire temperatures, which caused Goodyear to take this step.
The tire code that teams will now run (D-4020) features a tougher tread compound, a different construction and different mold shape than the tire teams ran in practice. The replacement tire was run at Charlotte Motor Speedway after that track was repaved at the end of the 2005 season. This code was run at both races at Charlotte in both 2006 and 2007. When Goodyear decided to bring a new tire to Charlotte for the 2008 season, a quantity of this code was built as part of the back-up plan that Goodyear has in place for every race track on the circuit. Since this tire proved durable and provided an ample amount of grip for the repaved Charlotte surface, it made it a logical choice to be put in place for just this type of situation for the fresh asphalt at Michigan.
Goodyear will ship in enough tires for teams to have 10 sets of tires for the race, which is the original NASCAR set limit for this event. Teams will run their original allotment of right-side tires (D-4528) in Sunday's race. Teams will have additional tires available for a NASCAR-scheduled practice following the Nationwide Series race on Saturday.
"We decided this move was best to provide quality racing here on Sunday," said Greg Stucker, Goodyear's Director of Race Tires. "In collecting data and speaking with drivers and crew chiefs throughout the practice days, we had two choices to make. Our first option was to make the team's race sets available to them before practice on Friday and allow them the chance to 'scuff' them, in order to run them through a heat cycle to increase heat resistance. We did that, but after all the practice sessions ended on Friday, we concluded the safer option was to go to our contingency plan and bring in the 4020s.
"This code has been run before under similar track conditions and we have full confidence that it will give drivers and teams the enough grip to run a great race on Sunday, while doing so in the safest possible manner. Safety is always our No. 1 concern, and by bringing this tire here this weekend, we will accomplish that goal."(Goodyear PR)(6-15-2012)

Sprint Cup Series practice added after Saturday's Nationwide race: Goodyear will make a tire change for Sunday's Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. The decision was made Friday evening after teams had tires that were blistering following Friday's practice sessions at the newly-repaved 2.0-mile track. Goodyear will bring a tougher left side tire from Charlotte that the teams will use in Sunday's event. The teams will qualify Saturday as scheduled at 1:10 pm/et with the tires previously allotted by Goodyear. Following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the teams will be given a 75-minute practice session with the new left side tires that will start at approximately 6:00pm/et. "With the new repave here at Michigan, coupled with the high temperatures we're seeing this weekend, we feel this change will help us put on the best race possible on Sunday," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition.(NASCAR)
TV: SPEED will air the practice live at 6:00pm/et.(6-15-2012)

Track records shattered in NASCAR practice at MIS UPDATES: The Sprint Cup Series qualifying record at Michigan International Speedway has been broken unofficially by several cars already this morning, at a special NASCAR test to acclimatize drivers to the newly repaved oval. Toyota driver #56-Martin Truex Jr. became the first NASCAR driver in MIS history to turn a 200-mph lap when he hit 200.261 this morning. Chevy's #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was right behind him, at 200.206. Chevy drivers #42-Juan Pablo Montoya (199.440 mph) and #29-Kevin Harvick (199.236 mph) also flirted with the 200-mph threshold. #18-Kyle Busch went 194.789 in his Toyota and #24-Jeff Gordon 194.610 in another Chevrolet. The old track record was 194.232, set by Ryan Newman in a Dodge in 2005.(Detroit Free Press)
UPDATES as I see or hear them on the speeds: #55-Martin fastest at Michigan with lap of 201.089 mph in testing. Then Harvick (200.999), Truex (200.306) & Dale Jr. (200.206).(Dustin Long Twitter)
Practice can be followed live on NASCAR.com's Leaderboard
The top five as of 11:00am/et after 3 hours of testing:
#55-Martin 201.089
#29-Harvick 200.999
#56-Truex Jr. 200.306
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 200.206
#14-Stewart 199.856
41 cars have run laps so far with 39 over the old track record.
The best 10 lap average was run by #18-Kyle Busch at 197.065mph.
4 cars didn't test: #19-Bliss, #10-Raines, #32-Schrader & #49-Yeley.
See the speeds, laps run, best 10-lap average on the Michigan Test Session 1 Speeds page (pdf)
Test Session 2 - afternoon: top five speeds at end of the session:
#14-Stewart 201.896
#16-Biffle 201.556
#51-Busch 201.174
#29-Harvick 200.697
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 200.658
7 cars were over 200mph, 43 cars have made runs with ALL being faster then the track record speed.
2 cars didn't test: #10-Raines and #32-Schrader.
See the speeds, laps run, best 10-lap average on the Michigan Test Session 2 Speeds page (pdf)
No restrictor plates planned at MIS: NASCAR officials said they have no plan to add restrictor plates used at Daytona and Talladega to reduce speeds. Vice president of competition Robin Pemberton expected speeds to slow on their own as the track rubbers in and the temperature rises. Series director John Darby said NASCAR has a speed at which liftoff is a concern as is the case at Daytona and Talladega, and "we're not there yet."(ESPN)(6-14-2012)

With Michigan Repave, Newman's Record Will Likely Fall: One repave down, two to go. Pocono Raceway's facelift produced one of the year's most intriguing races. Kansas Speedway's new surface won't be tested in competition until October. This Sunday, Michigan International Speedway takes center stage with its new coat of asphalt. Earlier Goodyear Tire tests produced lap speeds that were fast - over 200 mph - and if duplicated, would make the Detroit-area track the fastest among current lap records. "It's a very fast track but a very comfortable-feeling pace," said two-time Michigan winner Jeff Gordon, who participated in the April test. "The track drives so similar to the way it did before and I believe it's going to have multiple grooves." Ryan Newman set the current MIS record of 194.232 mph on June 18, 2005. The driver of Stewart-Haas Racing's #39 U.S. Army Chevy has been stuck on 49 career poles since last September, when he was the fast qualifier for the second time in 2011 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway [and won the race]. Only eight NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers have recorded 50 or more career poles.(NASCAR)(6-14-2012)

New 2013 F-150 FX4 to Serve as Pace Truck: Ford Motor Company will introduce the latest version of the F-150, part of America's best-selling truck lineup, on Sunday when Ford's President of The Americas Mark Fields leads the field to green for Michigan International Speedway's NASCAR Sprint Cup series race in the new 2013 F-150. "Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to continuous improvement and getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," Fields said. "So many of our truck customers are race fans that it makes perfect sense to show our new 2013 F-150 FX4 model for the first time at the track." Fields will serve as pace car driver for the second straight June race at MIS, after leading the field to the green flag in a 2012 Focus last year.(MIS), see an image of the truck on my 2012 Sprint Cup Series Race Pace Cars page.(6-13-2012)

McDonald's Rock and Race Concert at MIS: Big & Rich with special guests Cowboy Troy and Bradley Gaskin will take the stage at Michigan International Speedway during the June race weekend for the McDonald's Rock and Race Concert. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated duo will headline the always popular and free post-race concert in Lot 10 on June 16. The concert will begin shortly after the Alliance Truck Parts 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The concert is free for anyone with an Alliance Truck Parts 250 race ticket. The Alliance Truck Parts 250 is at 3:45 p.m. The concert will begin shortly after the checkered flag that evening. Ticket are on sale at MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(6-13-2012)

Testing set at Michigan for Thursday: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series one-day test session at Michigan International Speedway is scheduled for Thursday, June 14th [Flag Day], this test provides the first opportunity for all teams to run on Michigan's new racing surface in preparation for Sunday's Quicken Loans 400. The teams / drivers are scheduled to be on track from 8-11 am/et and again from 1-4 pm/et. Speeds / Lap Times will be posted if provided.
The Turn 3 grandstand will be open free of charge that day for guests to watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup and ARCA Racing Series drivers practice on the newly paved, ultra-fast racetrack. Gate 33 will be open for guests from 1 to 5 p.m., perfect for campers on site that weekend. This will push the infield load-in back a little. We'll start load-in shortly after testing concludes. Parking for guests not already at the track will be in Lot 14 at MIS Camping.com Graves Family Campground, across US 12. A courtesy tram will bring fans to and from the Turn 3 stand.(MIS)(6-12-2012)

Michigan to host "Rookie Pit Stop" for guests: A NASCAR race is more than a sporting event. It's a vacation, an experience, a way of life. Some fans, especially first-timers, may need a little help to make the most of the thrill and understand the sport. So for fans visiting Michigan International Speedway for the first time during the June 15-17 Quicken Loans 400 weekend, having a fellow race fan give friendly advice when you arrive could be extremely beneficial. That's exactly what the track's new "MIS Rookie Pit Stop" program is designed to do. Throughout the race weekend, first-time race fans are asked to stop by the MIS Rookie Pit Stop and ask a member of the speedway's Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and some motorsports insiders for tips and advice on how to understand the speedway and the sport of NASCAR. The Rookie Pit Stop is located near the main Gate 24 ticket office in the New Holland Fan Plaza.(MIS)(6-12-2012)

Michigan names race officials: Two of [Michigan's] biggest sports superstars will be grand marshal and honorary starter for the Father's Day Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Starting goaltender for the 11-time Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings Jimmy Howard will remove his mask and serve as grand marshal for the Quicken Loans 400, giving the command to start engines. Dominic Raiola, the center and team captain for the NFL's Detroit Lions, will be honorary starter, waving the green flag. When it comes to his play between the pipes, Howard is regarded as one of the best goalies in the NHL. He has played in 192 regular season games for the Red Wings with 188 starts, posting a 110-54-19 record. He played in his first NHL All-Star Game earlier this year. Raiola has played in 172 career, regular season NFL games with 156 starts during his NFL career. A model of consistency, he has missed just four games since entering into the starting lineup in 2002. The seven-year captain is considered the leader of the lockerroom and held in high regard by his peers and the media. (MIS)(6-9-2012)

Budweiser Party Porch comes to Turn Four at Michigan: Michigan International Speedway has brought all the amenities of a tailgate to Turn Four. Now, fans can party before, during and after the race, all while overlooking the high-speed action of NASCAR's soon-to-be fastest racetrack. The new Budweiser Party Porch at Michigan International Speedway is a respite area and hang-out at the track, all overlooking Turn Four. The new patio includes concession and merchandise stands, as well as a full bar. Plus, there will be umbrella-covered picnic tables for fans to sit and relax during the day. The Budweiser Party Porch is open all day and practically all night. The Turn Four Patio is for guests of all ages before and during the race. Guests may bring coolers the meet speedway requirements in to enjoy the area. After the race, the Budweiser Party Porch is a cool hang-out for the speedway's camping guests 21 and older. The age restrictions will be enforced about one hour after the race. Coolers are not permitted in the area during this time. Live music is scheduled from 8-11 p.m. every night, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Budweiser Party Porch will close at midnight.(MIS)(6-6-2012)

Quicken Loans to sponsor spring Michigan race: Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc. announced it has teamed with Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn, Michigan, to sponsor the Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS on Sunday, June 17. "We saw the Quicken Loans 400 as another way to further our support of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series and to showcase our culture and focus on the client experience to the millions of NASCAR fans around the country," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer for Quicken Loans. "This year marks Quicken Loans' first season as a primary sponsor of driver Ryan Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing. This partnership with MIS will take our participation in the sport to a new level, allowing us to further connect with these amazing race fans." Along with its sponsorship of the Quicken Loans 400, the nation's largest online mortgage lender is the primary sponsor of Newman's #39 Chevy for nine Sprint Cup races, and an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season. Quicken Loans also is an associate sponsor of three-time and reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Quicken Loans 400 on June 17 are available for as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2012 events at MIS. The ticket office is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.(Quicken Loans)(5-9-2012)

Michigan fans can catch practice session for free: The speeds at Michigan International Speedway are fast, and now race fans can witness them first-hand during a special test session added to the June schedule. NASCAR and ARCA have added a daylong practice session at Michigan International Speedway on Thursday, June 14. The Turn 3 grandstand will be open free of charge that day for guests to watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup and ARCA Racing Series drivers practice on the newly paved, ultra-fast racetrack. Gate 33 will be open for guests from 1 to 5 p.m., perfect for campers on site that weekend. Parking for guests not already at the track will be in Lot 14 at MIS Camping.com Graves Family Campground, across US 12. A courtesy tram will bring fans to and from the Turn 3 stand.(Michigan Speedway)(4-29-2012)

Update on jet dryer driver from Daytona 500 accident: Michigan International Speedway had three jet dryers and two employees at Daytona International Speedway assisting with Monday's Daytona 500. The jet dryer driven by Duane Barnes, 52, of Addison, Mich., was hit from behind by #42-Juan Pablo Montoya during a caution. Barnes was released from Halifax Medical Center after a precautionary evaluation by doctors late Monday night. He returned to the racetrack to watch the end of the race. Barnes has worked in the Maintenance Department at Michigan International Speedway for 24 years. He has frequently assisted other International Speedway Corporation-owned racetracks, driving jet dryers at those events. MIS supports other racetracks by sending staff and equipment to events. Barnes is surprised at the outpouring of well wishes, and thanks everyone for their concern. "I appreciate everyone for taking the time to write, call and ask how I am. I am OK and I am amazed at how many people have wished me well. I am also glad Juan Pablo Montoya is OK, and thank him for his concern," Barnes said.(MIS)(2-28-2012)

Watkins Glen / Michigan lose Sprint Cup sponsor: Watkins Glen International is without a title sponsor for its NASCAR Sprint Cup event after Heluva Good! ended contract negotiations earlier this week. WGI President Michael Printup said last week he was optimistic the food manufacturer known largely for its sour cream dips would come back for its fourth year as the race's primary sponsor, but he learned Tuesday that Heluva Good! decided not to renew its contract. "We were a percent away from signing the deal and they turned around and walked away," Printup said Friday. "We loved Heluva Good! but of course every company takes changes of direction." With its Sprint Cup event seven months away, the news has left Watkins Glen's marketing team and its corporate owner, International Speedway Corp., a small window to find another headliner. "At this point, it's all hands on deck," said Printup, who expects to have a new sponsor in place within 90 days. Heluva Good! also decided not to return as sponsor of the Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, which is another ISC-owned track. Printup said Sprint Cup title sponsors generally provide tracks between $500,000 and $2,000,000.(Elmiria Star Gazette)(2-14-2012)

Michigan race tickets on sale: Michigan International Speedway tickets are finally on sale. he opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS is on Father's Day June 17; and Pure Michigan 400 is on August 19. Both feature some of the most affordable ticket prices in the country. In fact, the last time ticket prices at MIS were this low was in 1998 when Jeff Gordon won his third of four NASCAR championships and 13 races. MIS offers NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for every budget. Tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under are free in some sections, while junior pricing for 17 and under are half price in reserved seats. Prices on other events such as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 on June 16 and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 on Aug. 18 have also remained low for 2012 at $25 and $20, respectively. Additionally, MIS' continuous commitment to its fans in the form of improved fan amenities, like larger seats, paved tram routes and exclusive MISCamping.com APEX, the speedway's new campground, are more of the improvements the speedway has on tap for 2012.(Michigan Speedway)(2-6-2012)

Michigan International Speedway, MEDC announce Pure Michigan 400: With the success of 2011, two of Michigan's best-known brands - Michigan International Speedway and Pure Michigan - are again teaming up to host the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS on Sunday, August 19. The three-year partnership between MIS and Pure Michigan is a continuation of what started in 2011, and the first time a state's branding agency sponsored NASCAR's premier stock car series. The inaugural Pure Michigan 400 in 2011 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans and tourists alike.(Michigan Speedway)(1-12-2012)

Michigan re-paving is complete: Michigan International Speedway is paving the way for the exciting return of NASCAR to Michigan in 2012. The fourth repave project in the track's 44-year history is complete. The completion of the project means NASCAR drivers will have to work extra hard to win a race at Michigan, a driver favorite and fan since the track opened in 1968. A laser survey of the racetrack before the repave project began last August collected more than 100 million data points across the surface, allowing engineers to replicate all points of the original pavement. But crews smoothed out all of the dips and bumps that occurred over time, making MIS as smooth as silk. "Since the track is so much smoother, it has now created a level playing field for all competitors and all teams," Roger Curtis, president of MIS, explained. "Some teams have a larger book of historical information about the track from past events. All this data can now be thrown out the window because the new, smooth surface will mean the less experienced teams have just as much knowledge of the new surface as the larger, more experienced super-teams." The data points also showed MIS has always had variable banking in its 18-degree turns. Variable banking allows cars to carry more speed through the turns, enabling drivers to run multiple lines around the racetrack. Additionally, a smoother surface usually means more grip with the tires, and more grip means better handling of the cars so drivers feel good about passing and driving high lines.
The $7 million project was done by Ajax Paving Industries in Troy, Mich., who has extensive background in paving high-speed, high-banked ovals including the Chrysler Corp. oval in Chelsea, Mich., and the Ford Romeo Test Track for Ford Motor Co., a five-mile, steep-banked oval used by the manufacturer for testing. The group also completed Phoenix International Raceway, which will host NASCAR events this weekend. The ISC Design & Development engineering and construction team overseeing the project has paved seven NASCAR-sanctioned tracks since 2003. Besides completion of the two-mile oval, the 1.5-mile road course inside the oval was also paved and unveiled to media Thursday. The paving of the road course will enhance the speedway's efforts to be a test bed for various R&D opportunities, while allowing the racetrack to host karting and car club activities.
With paving complete, a few small projects remain to round out all the track work, including landscape restoration, reinstallation of the NASCAR scoring loops and painting the start-finish line. This is the fourth repave in the track's history. The track was built in 1968, and repaved in 1977, 1986 and 1995. During the latest project, 22,000 tons of asphalt was placed on the surface, enough to construct about 5 ½ miles of a two-lane county road.
Renewals for 2012 are under way. Guests have until Nov. 18 to ensure they get the best pricing for next season and automatically entered for a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. New guests can place a $10 refundable deposit to take advantage of the best pricing for 2012 by calling 800.354.1010.
AND For the third consecutive year, Michigan International Speedway and its non-profit arm, MIS Cares, will collect goods to benefit two local charities by hosting a lap around the racetrack from 9 am to 3 pm Saturday, Nov. 19, weather dependent. Guests may take a lap in their personal automobiles around the newly paved two-mile oval in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy or bag of nonperishable food that will be donated to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots, the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn, Mich., and St. Mary's Food Pantry in Adrian, Mich., respectively. Guests will also be able to visit with Santa in one of MIS' Pit Road Suites. Photos will be taken of Santa posing with each guest. Pictures may be purchased for $5, with $1 from each picture sold going back to MIS Cares. Everyone who participates will automatically be entered to win an MIS gift pack. Guests can also sign their children up for the MIS Kids Club when they attend. More info at MISpeedway.com.(MIS)(11-12-2011)

Emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009)