BROOKLYN, Mich. (May 13, 2014) — Michigan International Speedway is the fastest track in NASCAR. And now thanks to a partnership with Binder Park Zoo, the speedway is associated with the fastest animals. Binder Park Zoo, located in Battle Creek Michigan, is the official sponsor of the MIS Kids Club.
Michigan International Speedway strives to provide a memorable experience for fans of all ages. The relationship with Binder Park Zoo will only continue to enhance the experience for children.
“We are happy to welcome another Pure Michigan company as a partner in the Binder Park Zoo,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “The relationship will provide an opportunity to teach children about racing who might not be exposed to the sport and we can introduce so many visitors at our track to all the exhibits at the zoo. Engaging and attracting youth is critical for NASCAR, our sport, MIS and the zoo making this a great partnership.”
On race weekend, guests can visit the Welcome Center where they can learn about the MIS Kids Club and the Binder Park Zoo. In addition children will have the opportunity to compare the speed of a NASCAR car with various animals.
The partnership is not just exclusive to just the race weekend at MIS. The MIS Kids Club and Binder Park Zoo are working together to design special NASCAR-themed activities that are available all year long at www.miskidsclub.com.
Each year, more than 30,000 children and adults take advantage of the educational opportunities at the zoo. Binder Park Zoo is home to approximately 600 specimens of more than 140 species, including 32 rare and exotic exhibits.
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. The zoo’s close proximity to the track will provide a popular family destination for parents looking for kid-friendly activities.
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.
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.
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.
NASCAR’s fastest track is becoming known as a place for educational opportunity for students at all levels. Binder Park Zoo will expand the opportunities for youth in a fun and unique environment.
Michigan International Speedway and Adrian College partnered to develop, Track and Explore, a science center and science-related field trip program. This partnership allows hundreds of school children and college students to benefit from learning about the ecosystem of the Irish Hills area, but also experience nature and conservancy that could contribute to their future work as scientists.
MIS will welcome students from across the globe to the Irish Hills as part of the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) competition in the spring. Formula SAE is an educational competition that challenges university undergraduate and graduate engineering students to design, build and compete in scaled-down, Formula-style autocross race cars.
MIS, through its Michigan Heritage trophy, also works with each of the NASCAR manufacturers – Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota – to annually award a youth-based, STEM-based organization a $40,000 grant. Last year, the Michigan Science Center in Detroit won the award, as a result of Ford winning the Pure Michigan 400 race at MIS in August.
Binder Park Zoo is located outside of Battle Creek, Michigan, on 433 acres of natural forests and wetlands. In the past 33 years, the zoo has grown to one of the leading cultural attractions in the region. Binder Park Zoo was created on the model of an entrepreneurial self-supporting nonprofit organization, and is managed by a zoological society.
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
July 18-20 Faster Horses Festival
Friday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200 presented by Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation
Sunday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
