Hundreds of fans attend Michigan International Speedway’s free fan event honoring Daytona 500 winner
BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 10, 2011) — Nearly three weeks have passed since Trevor Bayne’s historic Daytona 500 victory, but his popular win hasn’t left the minds of Michigan International Speedway race fans.
With nearly 300 race fans eagerly awaiting his arrival, the Bayne train made another scheduled stop on his celebration tour at MIS’ FREE FAN EVENT, which was hosted by the Irish Hills track at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. on March 9.
Bayne, along with car owners Eddie and Len Wood, Director of Ford North America Motorsports Jamie Allison and MIS President Roger Curtis, participated in a question and answer session for fans, which included Curtis asking questions that were submitted by race fans in the audience. Bayne also signed autographs for fans that were in attendance.
“I’m happy to be here and can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy doing these fan events,” Bayne said. “Since winning the Daytona 500, it’s been a crazy last few weeks. It’s been a life-changing experience and to see all this support for me, the Wood Brothers and Ford Racing is amazing. I really wish I could shake every hand and sign every autograph for the fans. Doing these types of events for them is what this sport is all about and I’m happy to just be a part of it.”
Some fans waited in line for over four hours to see Bayne up close and personal. Longtime MIS ticketholders Charlene Skonieczny and Sherry Caudill of Farmington, Mich., along with Robin Niemiec of nearby Garden City, were the first in line for the event.
“What a great opportunity to see Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne and get his autograph,” Skonieczny said. “We’re our big fans of MIS and NASCAR and always enjoy attending these events when we can. We got here four hours before the event started just to make sure we would get in!”
Bayne won the Daytona 500 last month, becoming the youngest driver to do so at 20, driving the famed No. 21 Ford for the Wood Brothers in just his second career Sprint Cup Series start. It was the first career victory in any NASCAR series for the Knoxville, Tenn., native.
The Wood Brothers are tied with Jack Roush as the all-time winningest owners at MIS with 11 career victories. The Wood Brothers, who were honored by MIS in August 2010 for their 60 years in racing, won many races at the Irish Hills speedway with the No. 21 car and driver David Pearson.
“The Daytona 500 victory and everything that has followed since then has been tremendous for our organization,” Eddie Wood said. “To be at this event and receive great support from Ford, MIS and our fans is very special to all of us at Wood Brothers Racing.”
Bayne is tentatively scheduled to race in three events at MIS this summer, the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide races on June 18-19 and the Sprint Cup race on August 21.
“I hope to see everyone out at MIS this summer,” Bayne said. “I’m planning on racing a few events out there this season and I hope the fans will buy tickets and come out and see us.”
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB to 69050 on a Sprint Smartphone or other mobile device. Standard text message rates may apply.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 19 and NSCS 400 on August 21 are now on sale and as low as $30. 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.
Michigan International Speedway’s 2011 Schedule Saturday, May 21 Great Lakes Wine Fest
Friday, June 17 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200
Saturday, June 18 NASCAR Nationwide Series
Sunday, June 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400
Friday, Aug. 19 Meijer Pole Day Saturday, Aug. 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200
Sunday, Aug. 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
