State Contractors Benefiting From MIS Capital Improvement Projects

BROOKLYN, Mich. February 5, 2009): Michigan International Speedway is committed to the fan experience and uses local vendors to do it! Contractors and vendors from the state of Michigan are being used for the various capital improvement projects taking place around the racetrack.

In fact, more than 90 percent of all construction projects on MIS property are being done by local vendors, ensuring money, resources and jobs stay in the state.

“It’s important we keep our money and jobs within the state when we have the opportunity to do so,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “These capital improvement projects are what the fans want, and if we can count on vendors and contractors from Michigan to build these projects, then it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

With an additional $7 million approved for various capital improvement projects for the 2009 season, MIS is continuing to invest in its property to enhance the fans’ race experience. With the additional spending, MIS will have spent nearly $30 million total on improvements for fans since 2006.

Projects scheduled for completion before the 2009 season will include “phase 3” of the improved grandstand seating in Turn 1, continued installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property and a new state-of-the-art sound system. All projects are a direct result of fan feedback and a progressive effort from the speedway to make the race experience better for its fans.

Phase 3 of the Turn 1 grandstand project is already under way with three more of the old silver grandstands being torn down by construction crews and MIS personnel. Just as with the previous two years, the old grandstands will be replaced with new grandstands that have wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room. The overall project began in 2006 and does not add seats, but merely replaces old ones. The new grandstand foundation is currently being poured by Vanston/O’Brien Inc. of Dexter, Mich., while the installation of the steel and aluminum is being done by Ryar Construction of Comstock Park, Mich.

Phase 2 of the installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property is also under way. Prior to the 2008 season, phase 1 signage was installed in many locations throughout MIS. The branded signage was an immediate success by helping pedestrians, motorists and campers find their way in, out and around the 1,400-acre racetrack property. Phase 2 signage is being constructed in the Motorsports Fan Plaza, on the backs of the grandstands and around ticket and gate entrances to the track. The signage project is being done by Valley City Sign of Comstock Park.

“In this difficult economy, we are fortunate and thankful that MIS has decided to hire a local Michigan company for their sign project” Randy Czubko, President of Valley City Sign said. “We were impressed with the commitment MIS made to keep their business in Michigan. This type of action will only help to improve our current business climate. The MIS project could not have come at a better time. It will keep our production and installation crews busy for several months. Even in this current environment, there are still companies in Michigan willing to invest in their business and improve their customer experience.”

Additionally, a new state-of-the-art public address system will be installed around the track. The project will replace the old trackside PA system and add speakers under the grandstands, at the ticket gates and in the Motorsports Fan Plaza. The speakers around the perimeter of the infield campground will also be replaced. The new PA system will replace one that is 40 years old. ICOMM, based in Wixom, Mich., has handled all audio and video at the track since 1980.

“A great deal of the current PA equipment dates back to the first race in 1968,” branch manager from ICOMM Joe Osypczuk said. “I was around for the original installation of the system back then and most parts of it need to be updated after 40 years of use. It’s great to hear that MIS is investing money into a new system and that ICOMM will be installing it for the speedway this spring.”

MIS will continue to consider Michigan-based companies in all of its capital improvement projects this off season. A vast majority of the $30 million spent since 2006 has been with Michigan-based contractors. Other Michigan vendors working on MIS projects this off-season include Fritz Advertising of Spring Arbor, Slusarski Excavating of Adrian and concrete companies from Addison and Adrian.

Tickets and camping will go on sale to the general public beginning on Sunday, Feb. 15 during the season-opening Daytona 500. For additional information, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MIS SPEEDWAY.