Three promotions, one hire will strengthen MIS as motorsports leader

Several staff promotions and a new hire will strengthen Michigan International Speedway as the leader in motorsports entertainment, speedway President Roger Curtis says.

Dennis Bickmeier, a 19-year veteran in the public relations and communications field has been hired as vice president of Consumer Sales and Marketing.

Curtis also announced the promotions of three staff members. Dan DuBois has been promoted to senior director of Accounting and Planning; Linda Wyne has been promoted to director of Ticketing; and Alisha Cottrell has been named director of Government and Community Relations.

“We’re not content to sit here and tread water as a business in this state. These moves will greatly enhance our ability to meet the ever-growing needs and challenges of operating a 132,000-seat, 40-year-old motorsports venue in today’s Michigan economy,” Curtis said. “Dan, Linda and Alisha have all been instrumental in our success over the years so their promotions are well-deserved. Combine that with addition of Dennis Bickmeier and already stellar staff and you have the framework for incredible teamwork to face any challenge.”

Bickmeier will oversee the track’s corporate sales, ticketing and communications departments, uniting the sales arm of Michigan International Speedway. He has worked for some of the top sports organizations in the Los Angeles market for the last 19 years, most recently as a sports public relations and marketing consultant for clients like the AT&T Champions Classic, California Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and Brener, Zwikel and Associates.

He also served as the senior director of Communications for California Speedway, MIS’ sister track, directing the speedway’s public relations, event communications, advertising and promotions efforts.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family,” Bickmeier said. “After spending most of my professional career in Southern California, this will be a new challenge that I’m really looking forward to. And as a longtime employee of California Speedway, I have always been impressed with MIS as a facility and the dedication of its employees who care so much about the venue. The fans in the region are so passionate about racing, in particular NASCAR, which increases my excitement about coming to MIS."

A graduate of Ohio University, Bickmeier also spent time with the former Anaheim Angels, now the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, both Walt Disney Company-owned franchises at the time. He has also held positions with the Big West Conference, Orange County Sports Association, Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bickmeier has served the last six years as an adjunct faculty member in the University of San Francisco’s Sports Management class teaching the Strategic Communications and Sports Public Relations elective. He also served as advisor for the Sports Management Master’s Project class.

Michigan International Speedway tickets can fit anyone’s budget. The speedway is hosting the ARCA RE/MAX Series on June 13, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200 on June 14, the NASCAR Nationwide Series Carfax 250 on August 16 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on June 15 and 3M Performance 400 on August 17. Tickets are available for all events, including qualifying days.

To order tickets, pit passes or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.