Mulally to wave green flag for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 16, 2011) — Ford Motor Company’s President and CEO Alan Mulally will wave the green flag as honorary starter for Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
As racing returns to the Irish Hills in the backyard of the auto industry, Mulally is excited to represent his company and the state of Michigan.
“I am looking forward to representing the entire Ford team by waving the green flag at the start of the Pure Michigan 400,’ said Mulally. “Michigan is Ford Motor Company’s home. So there is always a little more excitement when our NASCAR teams get to race at our home track, Michigan International Speedway. Our employees, dealers, suppliers and all the Ford Motor Company stakeholders, whether in the stands or at home, will be pulling for our teams.”
The honorary starter duties include waving the green flag to start the race. Mulally will also receive a pace car ride from NASCAR’s official pace car driver and attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers’ meeting.
“Alan Mulally is a corporate superstar, running a great American company based here in Michigan,” said George Zimmermann, Vice President for Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are honored to have him serve as the honorary starter for the inaugural Pure Michigan 400 this Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.”
Mulally will be among many other dignitaries at MIS for the Pure Michigan 400, most notably current ESPN Football analyst and former University of Michigan star Desmond Howard, who will serve as the Pure Michigan 400 grand marshal.
Ford has had tremendous success at MIS in its many years of stock car racing in the Irish Hills. In fact, longtime car owners Jack Roush and the Wood Brothers are tied for the most all-time victories at MIS with 11 each, most of them in Ford or Mercury equipment. The manufacturer’s 31 Sprint Cup victories at MIS are the most all-time followed by Chevrolet with 19.
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.
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.
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.
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
