Carfax and MIS Partner to Neutralize Carbon Emissions During 'Show Me the Carfax Race Weekend'
Initiative benefits wildlife habitat and forestland at national wildlife refuge
BROOKLYN, Mich., Aug. 14 -- Carfax and Michigan International Speedway today announced they will help neutralize the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from energy and auto use during the "Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend" at MIS.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080507/CARFAXLOGO )
This precedent-setting initiative is the result of a partnership between Carfax, MIS and The Conservation Fund to help curb climate change and restore habitat for wildlife.
Carfax and MIS are working with The Conservation Fund's Go Zero program to zero out the CO2 emissions that result from the facility's energy use during the race weekend and fuel used by fans traveling to and from the festivities. The effort will also cover the emissions from the race cars during both NASCAR events at MIS -- the CARFAX 400 Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday and CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race on Saturday, and qualifying and practice sessions on Friday and Saturday.
"This is a great step toward curbing the effects of climate change, and at the same time, doing something positive for the environment," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "There are many simple ways to make a difference -- it's so easy to get started. We've expanded our efforts this year to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to do something good for the planet."
Nearly 4,000 trees will be planted at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Missouri as part of Carfax and Michigan International Speedway's efforts. Carfax was founded in Missouri and its data center is located in Columbia, Mo.
"Habitat loss and climate change are two of the greatest environmental challenges of our time," said The Conservation Fund's President Larry Selzer. "Now more than ever, addressing these challenges will require a mix of public and private financing. The Fund applauds Carfax and MIS for their industry-leading commitment to help neutralize the CO2 emissions from the weekend."
This marks the third straight year Carfax has neutralized the activities of its NASCAR programs at MIS. The company's past efforts included the 2007 and 2008 CARFAX 250 races, and the emissions from a Sprint Cup car it sponsored in Michigan in 2008.
"Carfax has our shared concern for environmental issues; that's what makes ours a perfect partnership," Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis said. "At MIS, our efforts continue to focus on reducing the immediate impacts from our operations and events through broad-based recycling efforts, partnerships with local governments and agencies to identify more efficient means of operation, pursuing renewable power sources and through conservation efforts. Carfax sets the industry standard for environmental responsibility and we are excited and pleased to be part of this effort."
MIS is committed to environmental management practices which will provide a healthy and sustainable environment and enhance the lives of its guests and employees. MIS was the first sports facility in Michigan to join the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership (MBP3). It is a member of the federal program, EPA WasteWise, with recycling programs totaling more than 2 million tons in 2008. MIS is also pioneering utility reduction programs, wetland remediation and restoration programs, and alternative energy programs. The racetrack announced in June that its new infield suite/media center will be solar powered.
Additionally, NASCAR partnered with MIS in June for its "NASCAR Green Clean Air" program to help capture the carbon emissions produced by racing. The sanctioning body vowed to plant 10 trees for each green flag that drops during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the track. MIS matched the number of trees tallied from green flags at the June event, and 80 trees will be planted at the racetrack in October. MIS is one of eleven tracks piloting NASCAR Green Clean Air. For the 2010 season, the program will roll out to the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit, planting approximately 20 acres of trees.
Editor's note: Representatives from Carfax, Michigan International Speedway and The Conservation Fund are available for interviews to discuss the efforts during the "Show Me the Carfax Race Weekend" and the importance of carbon footprint reduction. To schedule an interview, please contact Christopher Basso at Carfax, 703-934-2664; or Sammie Lukaskiewicz at Michigan International Speedway, 517-592-1208.
About Carfax (www.carfax.com)
Millions of consumers rely on the most trusted provider of vehicle history information, Carfax, each year. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports(TM) provide information that can impact a consumer's decision about a used car or truck. Carfax is a wholly-owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Co. For more information, visit www.carfax.com.
About Michigan International Speedway (www.MISpeedway.com)
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. Tickets are on sale by calling 800-354-1010 or logging onto MISpeedway.com. Michigan International Speedway -- It's your speed!
About The Conservation Fund (www.conservationfund.org)
The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America's land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient.
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Larry Gamache
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080507/CARFAXLOGO