BROOKLYN, Mich. (Dec. 10, 2013) — The Race Track Business Conference (RTBC) in Indianapolis features industry leaders across racing gathered to discuss topics facing motorsports facilities.
And Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis will be a panelist at the convention Wednesday discussing track operations at NASCAR facilities.
“I am honored to be part of this panel and discussing some of the challenges that our industry faces along with all the exciting initiatives that MIS is doing,” Curtis said. “The RTBC brings the best from motorsports facilities together in one spot to discuss all things related to our industry. I look forward to sharing our plans to enhance our facility and how our team is working to improve the guest experience.”
Curtis joins Daytona International Speedway’s Joe Chitwood, Chicagoland Speedway’s Scott Paddock and Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Doug Boles on the panel.
Michigan International Speedway has implemented several fan experience initiatives over the past years from significantly improving traffic to investing $75 million in capital improvements for MIS guests to picking fans to give away the trophy in Gatorade Victory Lane. Most recently, MIS was the first track in NASCAR to install and offer WiFi for guests. With the help of ISC, the free WiFi hotspots around the racetrack are available to all cell phone carriers. Fans are able to stay up to date on the latest happenings in NASCAR and set their fantasy line up right from the track. They can use the MIS app, download interactive maps, buy tickets and interact with family and friends on their favorite social networks – all using free WiFi.
In addition, ISC recently unveiled its plan to provide race fans with the sport’s first fully-integrated multi-media race-day experience across all its motorsports facilities over the next few years. ISC and its partners have committed to complete fan enhancements through 2015 at all its facilities, including installation of digital high-definition video screens, unique, at-track content and enhanced connectivity.
MIS has been instrumental in opening the 1,400 acres of the facility to auto manufacturers as a neutral testing ground. Located in the heart of America’s automobile manufacturing and testing, the track has multiple intersections, a road course that goes through remote areas to offer real life situations in a secure environment, obstructions and a recently repaved road course in the infield. In addition, the large skid pad on the back stretch offers an opportunity to test how cars talk to each other during quick braking, scalability and other evasive maneuvers.
The racetrack is a perfect, neutral testing location for manufacturers and suppliers.
Besides its NASCAR races, MIS also hosts a number of other events throughout the year. The speedway annually hosts the Michigan Wine and Beer Festival presented by Experience Jackson in May, the Spirit of America in September and the Michigan High School Athletic Association High School Cross Country Championships in November.
In addition, MIS hosted the inaugural Faster Horses Festival in 2013, a three-day country concert that saw 20,000 fans come to the Irish Hills. Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan were all featured acts in 2013.
Michigan International Speedway has been chosen as the state’s only host venue for Tough Mudder in 2014, a hardcore, 12-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie (www.toughmudder.com).
The added events to the speedway have proven to be a bonus for the area businesses. The business community and restaurants have all seen an increase in traffic with the added events.
Officials for the two-mile racetrack are always looking for other events, including concerts, festivals, world-class automotive R&D testing, NASCAR-style driving schools, weddings, proms, reunions and camping jamborees, among others.
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.
2014 Michigan International Speedway Schedule
Saturday, May 10 Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson
Friday, June 13 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and Sprint Cup Qualifying
Saturday, June 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series
Sunday, June 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400
Friday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200
Sunday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
