MIS Cares to host “Fish Your Bass Off” Tournament
August 18 fishing competition returns to scenic Wampler’s Lake in Brooklyn, Mich.;
Auction to fish with NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Ryan Newman, bass angler Kevin VanDam now open for bidding Media Note: A photo from the 2010 Fish Your Bass Off Tournament at Jerry’s Pub & Restaurant on Wampler’s Lake in Brooklyn, Mich. is attached to this e-mail for media use. Credit MIS.
BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 9, 2011) — What better way to kick off a race weekend in the Irish Hills then by fishing your bass off!
Michigan International Speedway’s non-profit arm, MIS Cares, will host the second annual “Fish Your Bass Off” tournament at Jerry’s Pub & Restaurant on scenic Wampler’s Lake just minutes from the Irish Hills speedway.
The tournament is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, August 18. At 5 p.m., 13 teams of four, with two anglers per boat, will take to the waters of Wamplers Lake for three hours of bass fishing. The anglers have been selected from fishing and bass clubs across the state. One spot per four person team will be designated for a NASCAR driver or personality, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Ryan Newman and Jamie McMurray.
Upon returning to the docks of Jerry’s Pub, the anglers will join approximately 200 locals and fans for a night of entertainment. Dinner tickets with cash bar are available to the public for $35 per person and can be either purchased in advance by visiting or at the door the day of the event. A limited number of dinner tickets remain so advanced purchases are recommended. Festivities include weigh-in of bass emceed once again by Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show host, Mark Zona and 5-time bass angler of the year Kevin VanDam, and dinner and drinks from a cash bar. Live and silent auctions will also be held, with all funds benefiting MIS Cares.
“We’re extremely excited to bring back our ‘Fish Your Bass Off’ Tournament to benefit MIS Cares,” MIS Director of Government and Community Affairs Alisha Cottrell said. “We’ve had a lot of positive response from our fans and partners to make this fishing tournament a fun way to kick off the Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 race weekend at MIS.”
In 2010, Elliott Sadler, Joey Logano, Bobby Allison and a number of crew members all made appearances. The inaugural Fish Your Bass Off raised over $27,000 for MIS Cares.
Also, until Sunday, August 14, fans have the option to participate in an auction for a spot on a four-person team of anglers, with all proceeds benefiting MIS Cares. The highest bidder will have the opportunity to join a team that will consist of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and avid outdoorsman, Ryan Newman and six-time Bass Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam.
The auction package also includes admission for one additional guest to the weigh-in/awards dinner. Fishing equipment and bass boat will be provided. The winner will need to be at Jerry’s Pub and Restaurant on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. ready to fish. Fishing begins at 5 p.m. with approximately three hours on the lake. Weigh in begins at 8:00 p.m. with the live auction and other festivities following the event.
To bid on this auction item, please visit: MIS Cares, a 501 © (3) non-profit entity under the umbrella of the NASCAR Foundation, focuses on raising funds for various local charitable causes the speedway supports.
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! Saturday, Sept. 17 MI Fest Music & Camping Festival
