ARCA All-Access at MIS Huge Success

BROOKLYN MI (6-21-04) With resounding success, a long-standing short-track tradition made its way into Michigan International Speedway last Saturday when the ARCA RE/MAX Series opened up its garage area to ticketed fans following the Flagstar 200 event.

And, by the thousands, race fans poured onto the speedway en route to the RE/MAX Series garage in a steady stream that lasted an hour and a half.

"I think it was great," said five-time and defending series champion Frank Kimmel. "It's just too cool.just like Saturday night at the short-track, only at a superspeedway. We stayed and signed autographs until the very last people came through."

And so did all the other drivers including former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville and series regular Jason Jarrett.

"It really took me by surprise," said Jarrett. "We figured there'd be some interest, but we had no idea the whole grandstand would come down. It was unbelievable. What a great idea. And all the fans really behaved themselves. This is exactly what we need to do. We need to give back to the fans. I hope we do it again."

Promoted as "ARCA ALL-ACCESS," the fan-friendly opportunity was the brainchild of ARCA President Ron Drager and Michigan Int'l Speedway President Brett Shelton.

"We've always considered ourselves ARCA's home superspeedway track," commented Shelton. "The chance for fans to see the drivers, cars and teams up close, right after they've battled for 200 miles is certainly unique."

Fans who purchased grandstand tickets for the event were offered the chance to make their way from their seats into what is normally the restricted garage area shortly after the checkered flag fell. Once inside, they had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the drivers, teams and cars, just minutes after they came off the track.