BROOKLYN, Mich. (April 3, 2014) — Michigan International Speedway strives to provide a memorable experience for fans of all ages. Now, knowledgeable and passionate youth can share their insight and ideas to improve NASCAR’s fastest racetrack as part of a Youth Fan Advisory Board.
The Youth FAB provides a unique opportunity for youth to communicate directly with the MIS staff through email and conference calls about their experiences, as well as assist in the future planning of the track.
MIS recently named eight deserving and talented individuals to the initial Youth FAB:
- Daniel Bell (16) – Meadville, Pa.
- Katie Browning (14) – Wyandotte, Mich.
- Kathleen Cassidy (18) – Gulford, Ontario, Canada
- Andrew Gillon (14) – Wyandotte, Mich.
- Nick Molina (17) – Troy, Mo.
- Adam Oelrichs (14) – Sterling, Ill.
- Veronica Shoemaker (16) – Livonia, Mich.
- Chase Winter (15) – Cass City, Mich.
“I was interested in the Youth Fan Advisory Board just for the fact how much MIS gets involved with fans and how they always give back,” Cassidy said. “I wanted to be part of that and not only make a difference for youth, but fans in general who come to the track.”
Cassidy has been coming to track for 11 years, but her favorite memory happened only last year.
“My favorite memory was last year when Roger (MIS President Roger Curtis) stopped in our campsite and he gave me a Fan Appreciation gift to follow an MRN reporter for the Sunday race,” she said. “I got to interview my favorite driver which is Brad Keselowski.”
Gillon is looking forward to sharing his experiences with fellow youth who attend the races.
“The Youth FAB is interesting and it is a good opportunity for kids our age to help MIS out,” he said. “Plus, we can have a fun time with it. I am really looking forward to helping MIS get better as a track and make it better than it already is.”
When Gillon comes to MIS for a race he always has one stop to make.
“You have the chance to potentially meet the drivers in the infield,” he said. “I like going to the infield to meet the drivers and get their autographs. That is cool how easy that is.”
All youth ages 14-20 who attend races at MIS could apply for membership to the Youth FAB.
MIS created the Youth FAB to communicate directly with the young people – and future race fans – who make the track their vacation destination. Michigan International Speedway officials are interested in what makes youth excited to come to NASCAR’s fastest speedway and what enhances their experience.
“Engaging and attracting youth is critical for NASCAR, our sport and MIS,” Curtis said. “We want to learn what and how to do more for the young race fans who come to our events. It is important to us that we maintain an open line of communication with all our guests; guests of all ages, as we strive to make their trip to the track memorable each time. The Youth FAB allows us to talk with youth and gather ideas to improve their fan experience.”
About 30 percent of MIS guests brought children in 2013, an increase from previous race seasons. Curtis attributes that steady increase to youth friendly prices and activities implemented at the track to attract younger guests over the past six years.
MIS has offered several ticket packages in addition to its kids 12 and under free seating program. These have been instrumental in the increase of youth coming with their families to the racetrack.
The Youth Fan Advisory Board is modeled after the successful Fan Advisory Board instituted by the track in 2008. The discussions with the FAB have provided many ideas and initiatives to improve the facility for all guests. We look forward to the same success with the youth FAB to welcome fans of all ages to NASCAR’s fastest track.
The track has several ticket packages available for families of any size to enjoy a weekend of racing. The Jimmie Johnson Experience gets you one adult ticket and one kids 12 and under ticket for Sunday, access to Johnson’s Q&A and a one-day scanner rental. You can celebrate Father’s Day at MIS with Danica Patrick’s Father’s Day Getaway. This family package includes two adult tickets and two kids 12 and under tickets for the Quicken Loans 400, special access to a Patrick Q&A and a $20 souvenir voucher.
The MIS Family Pack is always great. Guests receive four Sunday tickets, four hotdogs and four Coca-Colas.
Youth ages 13-16 are half price all weekend. In addition, MIS is offering a pre-race pit and paddock pass for youth 16 and under in 2014.
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.
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.
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
Sunday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
