August 2011 Race Winner: #18-Kyle Busch, 150.898 mph, started 17th

June 2011 Race Winner: #11-Denny Hamlin, 153.029, started 10th

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

August 2011 Pole Sitter: #16-Greg Biffle, 190.345mph, finished 20th

June 2011 Pole Sitter: #2-Kurt Busch, 188.599mph, finished 11th

Track Qualifying Record: #12-Ryan Newman, June 2005, 194.232mph

Oldest Pole Winner: Dale Jarrett, 45 years, 6 months, 21 days, 6/16/2002

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

Most Wins: 9 - David Pearson

Most Wins (active): 7 - Bill Elliott

Most Poles: 10 - David Pearson

Most Wins (active): 6 - Bill Elliott; 5 - Jeff Gordon

Most Top 5s: 21 - Cale Yarborough

Most Top 5s (active): 17 - Bill Elliott, Mark Martin

Most Top 10s: 30 - Mark Martin

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 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 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

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

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 31 - Ford

Races won from the top 5: 52 of 85

Races won from the top 10: 67 of 85

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

Greatest margin of victory: 1989, Rutty Wallace ovrer Morgan Shepherd - 15.71seconds

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)

Sydlowski named VP of Sales and Marketing at MIS: Michael Sydlowski has joined Michigan International Speedway as vice president of Sales and Marketing, speedway President Roger Curtis has announced. He begins Jan. 3. Sydlowski, 41, brings a tremendous amount of professional sports sales and corporate partnership experience including jobs at Learfield Sports/Rocket Sports Properties in Toledo, Ohio, the NBA's Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment, Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Kent State University in Ohio. He was with the Detroit Shock when it won the WNBA Championship in 2003, and the Detroit Pistons for the NBA Championship in 2004. Most recently, Sydlowski worked for Alternative Revenue Development in Troy, Mich., as the vice president of sales. The start-up entity assisted Michigan schools with incremental revenue streams through the formation of sponsorships to assist them with their funding problems. The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2012 will go to customers who make a $10 goodwill deposit. New customers can log onto MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit by Jan. 31. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2012. All other tickets go on sale Feb. 1.(MIS)(12-30-2011)

Sweet wager: Martinsville squares off against Michigan in Sugar Bowl bet: Next Tuesday's Sugar Bowl will pit two legendary programs against one another – Martinsville Speedway and Michigan International Speedway. The top dogs for the two NASCAR racetracks will square off head-to-head, each backing his state's marquee football team. MIS boss Roger Curtis will cheer for the legendary University of Michigan, while Martinsville boss Clay Campbell has picked Virginia Tech to win. Here's the bet: If the No. 11 Hokies win, Curtis will travel to Martinsville, Va., in April for that track's NASCAR event and serve the half-mile track's Famous Martinsville Speedway Hotdog to media. Curtis will wear something in Chicago maroon and burnt orange, likely emblazoned with the Hokie Bird or the famous "VT." If the No. 13 Wolverines win, Campbell will visit MIS in June during MIS' NASCAR event and serve MIS' signature Coney Dogs to the press. Coney dogs were invented in Jackson., Mich., just 15 miles north of MIS. Oh, and Campbell will also be outfitted in something special should the University of Michigan win. This is the first time the two track presidents – and the schools – will face off. Virginia Tech, 11-2 on the season, is the only team in the country to win 10 games for eight straight seasons. The Hokies have also been to 19 consecutive bowl games. This will be Michigan's 41st trip to a bowl game. The school has an 18-3 all-time record against ACC schools. The Sugar Bowl is one of the most successful college football bowl games of its kind, played annually in New Orleans since 1935. The Sugar Bowl will be broadcast live on ESPN.(Martinsville Speedway / Michigan International Speedway)(12-28-2011)

MIS serves as community fund-raising platform: The spirit of giving isn’t just a seasonal belief at Michigan International Speedway; it’s the racetrack’s way of life, providing a valuable fund-raising platform for the community. In 2011 alone, Michigan International Speedway and its catering and concession partner Americrown donated or paid out more than $618,000 to local charities and service groups through cash donations and work programs. The speedway and Americrown annually work with service groups, church groups, Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions clubs, masons, high school sporting clubs and a host of other non-profit organizations to provide a platform for those groups to earn money for their causes and programs during the racetrack’s events. Service groups annually and frequently assist MIS in a number of ways including tram drivers, car parkers, ticket stubbers, program sellers, T-shirt folders, gate staffers, hamburger flippers and soda jerkers. Additionally, MIS Cares, the speedway’s charity arm, recently awarded $75,000 in cash donations to local charities through its annual grant program. Another $50,000 was awarded through sponsorships and tickets that groups raffle off, also to raise money for their clubs. More info about assisting at MIS for future events, groups looking for grants or financial assistance or for tickets to races in 2012, go to MISpeedway.com.(MIS)(12-25-2011)

APEX is a unique, exciting race camping option at MIS for 2012: Camping has always been an important part of the Michigan International Speedway experience, so racetrack officials have unveiled plans for a truly unique campground that will open in 2012. APEX is a deluxe trackside campground of 20 spaces, giving camping guests the best, most exciting view of the racetrack – all from the apex of Turn 3. Each trackside campsite is 20- x 55-feet wide and has water and electric hookups, a picnic table and grill. The sites overlook Turn 3, so guests will be able to feel the surge of 43 NASCAR stock cars at speeds of close to 200 mph. A concierge service for guests of the campground will be offered – an exclusive opportunity for fans who stay there to be pampered and catered to by a professional butler. A concierge will assist guests with anything they need to enjoy a race weekend in the Michigan. Need a tee time before the race? Need a ride to the garage? Where’s the best place to dine? Need ice? Just ask the concierge for advice, guidance and assistance for most of your MIS camping and weekend needs.
Admission to APEX is $1,600 per site, plus $250 per person for the weekend, up to 10 people per site. Each guest will receive a scanner rental and weekend pit access. Two people per site will also receive NASCAR garage passes for the weekend. Guests interested in camping in APEX should call MIS ticket agent Ian Kirkpatrick at 517-592-1285 for details. Because of the limited number of sites, spaces will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to renewal guests and then to deposit guests. All RVs in APEX must be self-contained. APEX will open on Thursday of race week, and remain open until the Monday after the race. Renewals for 2012 are under way. Guests have until Nov. 18 to ensure they get their seats, the best pricing for next season and be automatically entered for a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas on Dec. 2.(MIS)(12-9-2011)

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)

Michigan repave project to include internal road course: Repaving the Michigan International Speedway oval is the biggest part of the $7 million project, but it's not the only racing course scheduled to be repaved for 2012. The speedway's internal road course is also on the docket for its first repave in track history. MIS recognizes the importance of having a newly paved internal road course, however not for professional racing activities, but for its continued effort to be a test-bed for automotive manufacturers and other various R&D opportunities. The road course could also potentially be used for karting and car club activities. Over the past two weeks, crews have paved the backstretch skid pad and performed various maintenance projects to the track in preparation for the repave of the MIS oval and road course. The repaving of both is scheduled to begin in the next week (weather permitting).(Michigan Speedway)(9-24-2011)

Michigan Repave project begins: Crews were hard at work Monday removing the SAFER barrier that surrounds Michigan International Speedway in preparation of the track’s repave. The steel and foam energy reduction wall absorbs impacts from crashes. Some 5,575 feet of SAFER wall will be removed from the outside crash wall. SAFER walls mounted on interior walls on the backstretch, at pit-in and at pit-out will stay in place. And beginning Tuesday, about 646,000-square-feet of asphalt will be removed when milling begins. This will be the fourth time MIS has been repaved. The track was repaved in 1977, 1986 and 1995. The track was built in 1968. “We had some great racing this year; most recently with the 20 lead changes and three- and four-wide racing throughout the Pure Michigan 400,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “Drivers love this racetrack, so it’s exciting to start another chapter for MIS – a new racing surface.” Michigan International Speedway’s repave consists of removing the top three-fourths of an inch of existing asphalt pavement, and placing two lifts of asphalt – each 1 ½ inches thick – as a leveling course and a final wearing course. Once the track has been milled, 22,000 tons of new asphalt will go in its place. Asphalt will be laid down in September.
The $7 million project will be done by Ajax Paving Industries in Troy, Mich., who has extensive background in paving high-speed, high-banked ovals including Phoenix International Raceway, 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. A laser survey of the existing track surface collects approximately 100 million data points, allowing engineers to replicate the original pavement – yet smooth out all of the dips and bumps that have occurred over time. Those data points have shown the racetrack has 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. Pit Road was repaved following the June NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend.(MIS)(8-23-2011)

MIS, NASCAR first-timers award fan trophy: #18-Kyle Busch may have driven 406 miles to win the Pure Michigan 400, but the Smiths drove 1,200 miles to see it. Ron and Paulette Smith, their son Colby, and Annette Legresley, who is Paulette’s sister, attended their first-ever NASCAR race on Sunday – and it was at Michigan International Speedway. The family from Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada, was chosen by track President Roger Curtis to award the racetrack’s annual Fan Trophy to Busch. “I met them on a tram,” Curtis, who frequently rides trams before and after races, sits in grandstands and buys concessions and merchandise on race day so he can see what the fans go through and spend some time with them, said. “We were sitting there, and they told me how far they drove to be here. I had to pick them.” Curtis chooses one guest to award the Fan Trophy to the winner of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the track. A guest was also chosen in June. This is the fourth time a fan has awarded the trophy. Roger always chooses the guest – someone he randomly meets at the racetrack that weekend. The stories are always compelling; the fans are unique. “I’ve chosen long-time fans, and I’ve chosen fans with great stories,” he said. “But there was something about that family’s travel and the wonderful smile Colby had on his face throughout our tram ride. He smiled the entire time; you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.” The two-year-old Fan Trophy is part of the track’s Fan Appreciation program. The program provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences for MIS account holders via randomly distributed Golden Tickets. These Golden Tickets are redeemed for garage passes, seat upgrades, grab bag gifts, even promotional outings with NASCAR drivers. The winning Sprint Cup race driver receives a trophy. Members of the winning driver’s team receive smaller versions. “It’s incredible that we were able to do this,” Ron Smith said after the race. “I can’t believe I’m in Victory Lane at Michigan International Speedway.” And Colby? He just couldn’t stop smiling.(MIS)(8-23-2011)

Michigan Gov. announced Motorsports Month: Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed August Michigan Motorsports Month this morning at Michigan International Speedway before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Pure Michigan 400. “Today’s a Pure Michigan day,” Snyder said. “If you look at all the fabulous things that are going around our state, not only here but we have a Dream Cruise going in Detroit. It’s just a fabulous thing. If you want to see the most beautiful place in the world you can head up to Sleeping Bear Dunes. And it’s great and special to be here today because this was the place to be today.” Snyder gave a shout out to all the Canadian fans who visited the track. When asked what was being done to help stimulate racing in Michigan in light of the loss of the open wheel Belle Isle Grand Prix event and empty seats at the two NASCAR events held at MIS, Snyder said: “You’re seeing some of that today. I think it’s a great partnership that we’re doing today with the rest, in terms of encouraging it. If you look, I’m serious about this being Motorsports Month. If you look at the opportunity, we have great things going on in our state: the dream cruise, the race, really creating that atmosphere. One of the key things we need to do, to be really open about it, is we just need to create more and better jobs. “It’s about getting our economy working in a positive way. And we’re on a positive path to see that come back and that’s exciting.”(Detroit Free Press)(8-21-2011)

About Pure Michigan: Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan’s official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state’s tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to www.michigan.org. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on the MEDC’s initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.MichiganAdvantage.org.(8-20-2011)

MIS will have two Cup races in 2012: Michigan International Speedway is set to host two NASCAR Sprint Cup races again in 2012. Track president Roger Curtis says he has signed sanctioning agreements. The first race is scheduled for June 17 and the second for Aug. 19. MIS has hosted at least two NASCAR races every year since 1969, with the lone exception in 1973. Following Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400, the two-mile speedway will be completely resurfaced for the first time since 1995, at a cost of $7 million. Curtis says the track has had $60 million in improvements the last five years.(Detroit Free Press)(8-20-2011)

President of Ford named honorary starter of Pure Michigan 400: Ford Motor Company’s President and CEO Alan Mulally will wave the green flag as honorary starter for Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. As racing returns to the Irish Hills in the backyard of the auto industry, Mulally is excited to represent his company and the state of Michigan. “I am looking forward to representing the entire Ford team by waving the green flag at the start of the Pure Michigan 400,' said Mulally. “Michigan is Ford Motor Company's home. So there is always a little more excitement when our NASCAR teams get to race at our home track, Michigan International Speedway. Our employees, dealers, suppliers and all the Ford Motor Company stakeholders, whether in the stands or at home, will be pulling for our teams.” The honorary starter duties include waving the green flag to start the race. Mulally will also receive a pace car ride from NASCAR’s official pace car driver and attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers’ meeting. Mulally will be among many other dignitaries at MIS for the Pure Michigan 400, most notably current ESPN Football analyst and former University of Michigan star Desmond Howard, who will serve as the Pure Michigan 400 grand marshal. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 21 are as low as $30 while supplies last. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2011 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. As always, parking is free at MIS – and the track allows coolers through the gates.(MIS)(8-18-2011)

Jimmie Johnson to visit with MIS Kids Club members: MIS Kids Club members will have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive Q&A Session with the five-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 21. The MIS Kids Club event will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the MIS Cares Kids Zone in the New Holland Fan Plaza. Registration tables will be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. to scan MIS Kids Club membership cards, as well as sign up new members. The MIS Kids Club is designed for the speedway's young racing fans. Children 12 years of age or younger can now connect with MIS to stay updated on all the latest news, as well as be able to take part in exclusive race weekend and other special events. The MIS Kids Club membership is free and will provide a child with an official membership card, Kids Club gift, Kids Club member-only race weekend activity, members-only contests with great prizes and a chance to win great race weekend experiences. To sign up prior to Sunday's event, fans can stop by the Fan Appreciation booth in the New Holland Fan Plaza or visit http://www.miskidsclub.com.(MIS)(8-13-2011)

MIS Cares to host "Fish Your Bass Off" Tournament: What better way to kick off a race weekend in the Irish Hills then by fishing your bass off! Michigan International Speedway's non-profit arm, MIS Cares, will host the second annual "Fish Your Bass Off" tournament at Jerry's Pub & Restaurant on scenic Wampler's Lake just minutes from the Irish Hills speedway. The tournament is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, August 18. At 5 p.m., 13 teams of four, with two anglers per boat, will take to the waters of Wamplers Lake for three hours of bass fishing. The anglers have been selected from fishing and bass clubs across the state. One spot per four person team will be designated for a NASCAR driver or personality, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Ryan Newman and Jamie McMurray. Dinner tickets with cash bar are available to the public for $35 per person and can be either purchased in advance or at the door the day of the event. A limited number of dinner tickets remain so advanced purchases are recommended. Also, until Sunday, August 14, fans have the option to participate in an auction for a spot on a four-person team of anglers, with all proceeds benefiting MIS Cares. The highest bidder will have the opportunity to join a team that will consist of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and avid outdoorsman, Ryan Newman and six-time Bass Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam.(Michigan Speedway)(8-11-2011)

Desmond Howard to serve as Pure Michigan 400 Grand Marshal: Desmond Howard, the former Heisman Trophy-winning University of Michigan football star and current ESPN college football analyst, will serve as grand marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 21. While at the University of Michigan, Howard's acrobatic catches made him one of the most electrifying players ever to play the game. He became the first receiver in Big Ten history to lead the conference in scoring as he set or tied five NCAA records and 12 single-season Michigan records. The All-American won the Heisman by the second largest margin of victory in the trophy's history. He was also awarded the Walter Camp Trophy and the Maxwell Award that year before graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. Howard played 11 seasons in the National Football League for five teams, including two seasons with the Detroit Lions. While playing for the Green Bay Packers, Howard was voted the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXI and is the first and only special teams player to win the award. He is one of only four players to win both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP. Howard's post-professional football career achievements include being elected in 2010 College Football Hall of Fame and being inducted into the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame, the University of Michigan Hall of Honor, State of Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. Howard's Collegiate Hall of Fame career will be chronicled in the upcoming book, I Wore 21: The Legend of Desmond Howard. The 190-page book, published by Champions Press, LLC, features unique stories and hundreds of photos never seen before from the Howard Family collection. I Wore 21: The Legend of Desmond Howard is available by pre-order online at MDen.com. Retail price for pre-orders of the book are $21, and it will be sold for $20 in and around Michigan Stadium on Sept. 10. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 21 are as low as $30 while supplies last. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2011 events at MIS. As always, parking is free at MIS - and the track allows coolers through the gates.(MIS)(8-10-2011)

Rev Theory to headline Budweiser Acceleration Concert at Michigan: Race fans will be able to rock the house during the Pure Michigan 400 race weekend at Michigan International Speedway, as the popular rock band Rev Theory is slated to headline the Budweiser Acceleration Concert. Rev Theory and four other bands will perform at the speedway's Budweiser Acceleration Concert following the conclusion of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 on Saturday, August 20. The popular Saturday night concert in Lot 10 has always been a crowd staple and fan favorite at MIS for nearly a decade. Rev Theory follows a long list of spectacular concerts that have been held at MIS including Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, 3 Doors Down, Saving Abel and Sick Puppies. The post-race concert will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Camping World Truck Series VFW 200.(Michigan Speedway)(7-25-2011)

Michigan announces staff changes: Michigan International Speedway has made various changes to its staff. Michael Catalina has joined the speedway staff as a corporate partnerships executive. Catalina has over 20 years of experience in sales management and advertising mostly working in the clothing industry. He was most recently an account representative for LivingSocial.com, an experiential discount site. Additionally, Chad Whipkey, an MIS regional sales and corporate partnerships executive from 2007-2010, returns to the Irish Hills track after a 14-month absence. He was most recently an account representative for Coca-Cola, but has returned to MIS in his former role as a corporate partnerships executive. Other staff changes at the speedway include the hiring of Jackie Cooper as project manager and Karen Hively serving as a senior executive assistant to president Roger Curtis, moving from her previous role as an administrative assistant for the corporate partnerships department.(Michigan Speedway)(7-24-2011)

Honorary Starter and Grand Marshal Up for Auction for VFW 200 Truck Series Race at Michigan: Michigan International Speedway and the VFW Foundation have announced that the "Honorary Starter" and "Grand Marshal" positions for its August 20, 2011, VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will be up for auction. Along with the official VFW 200 Honorary Starter and Grand Marshal designations, the highest bidders will each receive two (2) passes to the VFW Pit Road Suite, recognition during the drivers' meeting and driver introductions and a photo with the VFW 200 race winner in Gatorade Victory Lane. Fans can place bids now through July 31 by visiting http://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=204. Proceeds will go to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, to benefit its "Return the Favor" campaign which is designed to honor military personnel and their families who have often personally sacrificed so much for us all.(Michigan Speedway)(7-23-2011)

First phase of MIS repave project complete: When the checkered flag dropped at the end of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 19, the green flag was waved for Phase 1 of the Michigan International Speedway Track Repaving Project. After just 30 days, pit road has now been repaved thus completing Phase 1 of the project. The entire pit road and drainage project took just 30 days to complete. It is the first repave the track has received since 1995 and just the fourth time overall. The track was built in 1968. The track was repaved in 1977, 1986 and 1995. A few projects remain before the Pure Michigan 400 race weekend. Crews will be busy striping pit road and grading and grassing apron areas over the next couple of weeks.(Michigan Speedway)(7-21-2011)

August Michigan race becomes Pure Michigan 400: Two of Michigan's best-known brands - Michigan International Speedway and Pure Michigan - are teaming up to host the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at MIS on Sunday, August 21. The one-year partnership joining these two brands, both focused on attracting new visitors to Michigan, is believed to be the first time a state brand is featured as the title of NASCAR's premier stock car series. One of the Pure Michigan campaign's main goals is to attract more visitors and investments to Michigan. The title sponsorship of the Pure Michigan 400 will introduce the Pure Michigan branding message to 75 million NASCAR fans nationwide. This follows the $11.5 million Pure Michigan national cable television advertising buy on the air from March 14, 2011 through early July.(MIS)(6-19-2011)

No General Admission Seats Remain for Sunday at Michigan: Reserved tickets starting at $39, with kids 17 and under half price, are still available for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on Sunday. In addition, Friday and Saturday tickets are also available with kids 12 and under free.(MIS)(6-17-2011)

Michigan to be repaved for 2012: Michigan International Speedway will be repaved for the fourth time in its history, track officials announced. Work to resurface the 43-year-old racetrack will begin immediately following this weekend's Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 with the repave of pit road. Repaving the rest of the track's two-mile oval racing surface will begin immediately following the August 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The track was built in 1968. The track was repaved in 1977, 1986 and 1995.The oval track repaving project consists of removing the top two inches of the existing asphalt pavement, and placing two lifts of asphalt - each 1 ½ inches thick - as a leveling course and a final wearing course. About 646,000-square-feet of asphalt will be removed. And another 22,000 tons of new asphalt will go in its place.(MIS)(6-17-2011)

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)