MIS again offers affordable, tiered pricing for 2011 season

BROOKLYN, Oct. 19, 2010: Michigan International Speedway is making it easier for race fans and families to return to their favorite summertime NASCAR destination with an innovative, competitive pricing plan that allows guests who purchase early to save big.

Now in its second year, this philosophy of “tiered pricing” allows loyal fans and new fans alike who renew or commit to purchase early to save the most money on their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race tickets during three strategic pricing phases:

· Renewal Pricing, now through January 31

· Value Pricing, February 1-28

· On-Sale Pricing, which begins in March and runs through each race weekend

Sprint Cup ticket prices during the Renewal Pricing tier are the best prices for 2011 and will start at $20 for general admission. Kids 12 and under will be free in that section, so a family of four could theoretically pay $40 to watch their favorite NASCAR drivers in 2011 at MIS when they buy tickets now until the end of January.

Under the speedway’s tiered pricing strategy, those $20 seats will increase to $25 in February during the speedway’s Value Pricing; and then $30 in March for Event Pricing.

“I can’t remember the last time a track charged $20 for a Sprint Cup ticket. While it’s still an incredible deal for a race fan to only pay $30 on race day to see Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt during a NASCAR Sprint Cup race, the best savings are now,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “That same seat is $20 — a $10 savings! — if you buy it now.”

Besides the cost savings, buying early also allows fans to lock in the best seat locations. Some sections of the speedway sold out last year, even in this tough economy. The June general admission areas and the next two cheapest ticket sections were sold out on race day.

And with renewal packets already mailed, returning customers who renew before the deadline will automatically save. Those fans simply return their renewal form with payment or log onto MISpeedway.com/renewals with their account number to renew.

New customers will automatically receive the savings when they place a goodwill, $30 deposit through January 31. After that time, an MIS ticket representative will call each customer who placed a deposit and place them in a seat at the racetrack’s lowest prices.

The three-tiered pricing structure was designed to give fans that renew or place a deposit early the opportunity to see the most savings for their tickets, campsites or infield wristbands. And speedway officials made a commitment to renewal fans to never undercut their ticket prices.

“We feel like this is a great pricing plan that rewards fans for renewing,” Curtis said. “If you didn’t show up for the races in 2010, you can also receive our lowest prices by placing a $30 deposit down now. We understand that the economy and unemployment rates are continuing to effect our race fans and we want to make it as affordable as possible to attend races here in 2011.”

In addition to Sprint Cup savings, tiered prices were unveiled for Friday and Saturday events. Tickets for those days are $7.50 for Friday events, including the ARCA Racing Series event and Sprint Cup qualifying; $20 for the Nationwide Series race ; and $15 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series if purchased now.

Pricing is just one factor. The method of payment is another. The speedway also instituted a convenient, four-part payment plan for tickets where guests choose when and how much to pay. The minimum is only 10 percent down.

In addition to cost savings, MIS increased the seat sizes across the center and Turn 3 grandstands. The move reduced capacity, but made for a much better experience for guests in 2010.

Additional general admission sections were also added, as well as strategic pricing for kids 12 and under and teens 17 and under. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission sections during Sprint Cup events on Sundays, and free in reserved seats for Friday and Saturday events. Teens 17 and under are half off in reserved seats.

“We are not only making our sport affordable, but we are getting families back to the track,” Curtis said. “We saw a significant increase in families at the racetrack in 2010, something important to our sport and our facility as we cultivate the next generation of race fans.”

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.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2011 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Renewals are under way for 2010 ticket holders. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2011.