BROOKLYN, Mich. (Sept. 20, 2013) – Guests recently took advantage of a special opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour at Michigan International Speedway. They learned how NASCAR’s fastest track operates not only for a race, but also what happens all year long.
As guests boarded the trams to begin the tour many remarked about the expanse of the facility, how it looks so much bigger in person and pure excitement that they could be so close to all the action they see on race weekend.
Melissa Johnson had her favorite seats picked out for race weekend – just past the start/finish line. She liked to see all the action as the drivers came off of pit road. But on Thursday, she wanted to learn about the track.
“I wanted to learn more about the track,” Johnson said. “I have been coming here a few years now. I wanted to learn more about the track and the facility.”
Ken Cannon from Tecumseh, Mich. has attended the races in the past and always left with anticipation for the next event. But he never had the access like he did for the tour. He could hardly contain his excitement as the tram made a stop at the MISCamping.com APEX RV Park.
“I wanted to see this right here,” Cannon said. “This is something the normal person who comes into watch a race does not see. They will never see this.
“We have learned about things behind the scenes that the normal customer would never know,” he continued. “They would not know about the entertainment buildings, they would not know about Graves Campground and they really would not know about this.”
The guests were taken to the interior of the track through the infield tunnel entrance before stopping off at the Pit Road Suites.
The tour stopped at the Tower behind the grandstands as the guests rode the elevator to a spot high above the track. They saw the newly remolded Champions Club presented by CP Federal Credit Union and learned about the history of the speedway from director of Guest Services Tim Booth.
In addition, the fans saw the campgrounds, including the MIScamping.com APEX RV Park overlooking Turn 3 and 4. You are so close to the action on race day that you feel the ground rumble as the cars pass. During the tour they also saw several of our MISCamping.com campgrounds and saw why we consider it NASCAR in a national park.
Don’t miss your chance to get a behind the scenes tour.
MIS is offering tours to all guests to get a behind the scenes view of the racing facility one more Thursday this year. The tour is scheduled for Oct. 17 beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The tour ($5 per person) will last approximately an hour and a half and will be guided by a knowledgeable MIS staff member. The day is limited to 50 people and you can reserve your spot now by calling (800) 354-1010. Your ticket will be mailed to you.
“This is a great opportunity for our fans to see behind the scenes,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “We are always looking for ways to showcase our facility to fans and this is another opportunity.”
Now is your chance to experience the slope of the 18 degrees of banking in the corners. The tour will take fans on one trip around the oval before moving onto the road course depending on track activity. You will have opportunity to experience what the banking feels like heading into Turn 1 and imagining what the drivers see at over 200 MPH.
Guests are asked to use the main entrance off US Highway 12 and park next to the Turn 2 tram sign. Tour participants are invited to exit the tram at selected stops to take the photos and make memories. The tours will happen rain or shine.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s fastest track and 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.
Visit www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010.
Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.
Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.
