[media-credit name=”michiganinternationalspeedway” align=”alignright” width=”300″]
[/media-credit]Fans can watch NASCAR, ARCA on June 14 for free
BROOKLYN, Mich. (April 26, 2012) – The speeds at Michigan International Speedway are fast, and now race fans can witness them first-hand during a special test session added to the June schedule.
NASCAR and ARCA have added a daylong practice session at Michigan International Speedway on Thursday, June 14.
The Turn 3 grandstand will be open free of charge that day for guests to watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup and ARCA Racing Series drivers practice on the newly paved, ultra-fast racetrack.
Gate 33 will be open for guests from 1 to 5 p.m., perfect for campers on site that weekend.
Parking for guests not already at the track will be in Lot 14 at MIS Camping.com Graves Family Campground, across US 12. A courtesy tram will bring fans to and from the Turn 3 stand.
“You’ve heard about the speeds during NASCAR’s test a few weeks ago. Now fans can see for themselves how fast these NASCAR drivers will go during the weekend. We expect to break some records and be NASCAR’s fastest racetrack,” track President Roger Curtis said.
A Goodyear Tire test at MIS in early April saw speeds around 216 mph. Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth tested the racetrack.
“I would say the speeds are fast to too fast,” said Kenseth, a two-time Daytona 500 winner. “The race is going to be exciting as it always has been, but I think you’re going to see a little bit different of a race for a year or two until it gets a little wore out and the pace comes back. We’re running at least three seconds faster than what we would run in race runs the last time we were here.”
An ARCA test a few days later saw 212 mph as the top speed.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup top qualifying speed at MIS is 194.232 mph, set back in 2005 by Ryan Newman. ARCA’s is 186.623 mph, set by Cale Gale in 2011.
“I’m confident we’ll see most of the field qualify well above the records. And we’re ready to break records on this new, fast surface,” Curtis said.
Track paving began in August 2011 and was completed in November, giving the asphalt time to settle and cure during the winter.
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.
All tickets are on sale at http://www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.
Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. You can also follow track president Roger Curtis on Twitter at @MISRoger. Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.
Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule
Saturday, May 19 Great Lakes Wine Fest presented by Jackson County CVB
Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200 Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 and Gatorade Pole Day Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Friday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 and Gatorade Pole Day Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
Tuesday, Sept. 11 Spirit of America Blood Drive
