Michigan International Speedway Announces 2009 Schedule
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BROOKLYN, Mich. August 19, 2008 — NASCAR’s premier series returns to Michigan International Speedway for the 40th consecutive year in 2009, track President Roger Curtis announced today.
MIS will be just one of 22 tracks to host the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with race dates set for June 14 and August 16. The NASCAR Truck Series will appear with NASCAR’s top series on June 13 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series on August 15. The ARCA RE/MAX Series will also make its 28th appearance at MIS when the Temperance, Mich.-based group races on June 12.
“Michigan International Speedway’s two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in 2009 are important to our fans and for the State of Michigan,” Curtis said. “Our NASCAR races provide a strong economic boost for the state during the summer months attracting fans from all over the United States and Canada, while providing a thrilling experience for more than 100,000 dedicated and loyal race fans who choose to spend their time with us each year.”
Even though the June event takes place around the same time of the year, the June 2009 event will not be on Father’s Day. Of the 79 Sprint Cup events held at the track since 1969, only 24 of them have been on Father’s Day.
NASCAR racing began at Michigan International Speedway on June 15, 1969, with a thrilling duel between Cale Yarborough and LeeRoy Yarbrough. The two drivers battle door-to-door for the final 150 laps with LeeRoy Yarbrough finally spinning just 300 yards from the finish, handing the victory to his similarly-named competitor.
The speedway concluded its 2008 season this past weekend with a Carl Edwards sweep during the Sprint Cup Series 3M Performance 400 presented by Bondo and Nationwide Series CARFAX 250. It was only the second time in MIS history that a driver swept both events in the same weekend (Mark Martin in 1993 was the other).
Earlier in the year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the checkered flag in the Sprint Cup LifeLock 400 on June 15 the day after Erik Darnell won the Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200.
Deposits for the 2009 season are being accepted until Friday, January 2, 2009 by calling the MIS ticket office. Deposits can be redeemed on January 19th and 20th. Placing a deposit allows customers to purchase tickets after the renewal process but before they go on sale to the public. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2009. For additional information, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 1-800-354-1010.
Michigan International Speedway - 2009 Schedule
Friday, June 12 ARCA RE/MAX Series Racing for Wildlife 200
Saturday, June 13 NASCAR Truck Series Cool City Customs 200
Sunday, June 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400
Saturday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series
Sunday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series