For the second year in a row, the NASCAR Foundation has recognized Michigan International Speedways charitable and community efforts, naming the racetrack its ‘Track of the Year.” Of note, the NASCAR Foundation lauded the speedways ‘Track and Explore” program, a partnership with Adrian College that teaches area youth about nature and conservancy with a series of field trips to MIS. The speedway was also cited for awarding $75,000 in 2012 to local charities through MIS Cares , the speedways official platform. Through annual programs such as Fish Your Bass Off, NASCAR Unites, Extreme Bus Make Over, the tracks annual Charity Drive and Racing to Read and its Spirit of America blood drive, Michigan International Speedway has fostered a community-minded effort, as well as raised funds for charities, big and small, and charitable work. Michigan International Speedway annually hosts the Spirit of America, the nations largest 9-11 blood drive. But thats not all. Besides its annual fund-raisers and community involvement efforts, MIS Cares also partnered with the Ryan Newman Foundation and Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation to help those NASCAR drivers with their efforts. Fish Your Bass Off is an annual fishing tournament held at Jerrys Pub during the tracks August NASCAR weekend. Working with NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, his wife Krissie, ESPNs Mark Zona and fishing legend Kevin VanDam, the track raised funds and hosted guests looking for a great time fishing on scenic Wamplers Lake. MIS also worked with Michigan native Brad Keselowski and his Checkered Flag Foundation in June to host injured soldiers and veterans for a day at the races with the drivers Race to Recovery program.( MIS )
