LAS VEGAS (Dec. 1, 2011) – Michigan International Speedway has been named Track of the Year by The NASCAR Foundation for its charitable and community efforts.
MIS President Roger Curtis accepted the award during the prestigious National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Awards luncheon Thursday at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The award was presented by The NASCAR Foundation Board Member Steve Gaffney along with the four finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.
The racetrack was lauded for its community efforts to raise awareness and money for MIS Cares, the track’s official charity, and The NASCAR Foundation.
Through annual programs such as Fish Your Bass Off, NASCAR Unites, Extreme Bus Make Over, the track’s annual Charity Drive and Racing to Read, Michigan International Speedway has fostered a community-minded effort as well as raised funds for charities, big and small, and charitable work.
The 2011 fund-raising effort will allow MIS to award $75,000 in cash donations to local charities this year alone. Presentations will be made at MIS Cares’ annual Community Christmas Luncheon.
“All our employees and volunteers are truly passionate about giving back to our community,” Curtis said. “This is where we work, live and play. And it’s up to us to be involved and to make our community stronger. We will always be a leader in the community for community giving.”
Michigan International Speedway annually hosts the Spirit of America, the nation’s largest 9-11 blood drive. But that’s not all. Besides its annual fund-raisers and community involvement efforts, MIS Cares also partnered with the Ryan Newman Foundation and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation this year on two truly great events.
Fish Your Bass Off is an annual fishing tournament held at Jerry’s Pub during the track’s August NASCAR weekend. Working with NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, his wife Krissie, ESPN’s Mark Zona and fishing legend Kevin VanDam, the track raised funds and hosted guests looking for a great time fishing on scenic Wamplers Lake.
MIS also worked with Michigan native Brad Keselowski and his Checkered Flag Foundation in June to host injured soldiers and veterans for a day at the races with the driver’s Race to Recovery program.
“Every year, we are so grateful for the support of our tracks. This year, Michigan International Speedway showed a true passion for making a positive impact in their community. Through an ongoing emphasis on volunteering and donating funds in support of local charities, they have truly earned this honor,” Sandy Marshall, Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation, said.
The NASCAR Foundation implemented a year-long fundraising and awareness contest among NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide tracks two years ago to choose a Track of the Year. Racetracks were awarded points for funds raised and marketing activities they engage in with the NASCAR Foundation with the top track being awarded the NASCAR Foundation Track of the Year award.
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.
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Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule
Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200
Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250
Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Friday, Aug. 17 Meijer Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
