“Honorary Starter” and “Grand Marshal” Up for Auction for VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race
Proceeds will benefit the VFW Foundation’s “Return the Favor” Campaign
BROOKLYN, Mich. (July 22, 2011) – 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 .
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.
In conjunction with the VFW 200 race, the VFW Foundation will distribute 300 tickets to local military guests to enjoy the NASCAR race weekend at MIS.
“Unfortunately, U.S. troops rarely have the luxury to attend sporting events or entertainment activities, so that’s where we step in. It’s our way of ‘saying thanks’ for all they do,” said John G. Lowe, VFW Foundation Director.
“Our Return the Favor events not only boost troop morale but also draw attention to the urgent needs of U.S. military service personnel. It also allows us to get the word out about our other programs and services. These include free communication options for troops overseas so they can call home on a regular basis and financial assistance to their families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, food and medicine,” stated Mr. Lowe.
To learn more, please visit: www.ReturnTheFavor.org or you can donate via your cell phone by texting “RETURN” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the VFW Foundation
The VFW Foundation is the official charity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), America’s oldest and largest service group for combat veterans. Return the Favor is an awareness and fundraising campaign to honor, celebrate, and support active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. Our mission is to support programs and services that provide financial assistance for military families, free phone calls for service members overseas, VIP treatment for troops and their families at entertainment events, and morale boosting events for military units. These programs and services are non-political and provided at no cost to the recipients. The VFW Foundation is one of the nation’s highest rated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit www.returnthefavor.org.
About Michigan International Speedway 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 on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050 on a Sprint Smartphone or other mobile device. Standard text message rates may apply.
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. Check the speedway’s website for details.
Michigan International Speedway – 2011 Schedule
Friday, Aug. 19 Meijer Pole Day Saturday, Aug. 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 Sunday, Aug. 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 Sunday, Sept. 11 Spirit of America Blood Drive – 10th Anniversary!
