MIS Fans Can Take Lap Around Track For Charity On Dec. 4

Fans can bring unwrapped toys, food items to benefit Toys for Tots and CCIS Food Pantry; Photo opportunities with Santa also available for $5 each with $1 going to MIS Cares

BROOKLYN, Nov. 11, 2010: If charity begins at home, then there’s no place like Michigan.

For the second consecutive year, Michigan International Speedway and its non-profit arm, MIS Cares, are collecting goods to benefit two local charities by hosting a lap around the racetrack from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, weather dependent.

Guests may take one lap in their personal automobiles around the historic two-mile oval in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy or bag of food that will be donated to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots and CCIS Food Pantry, in Brooklyn, Mich., respectively.

As an additional component this year, guests will be able to visit with Santa in one of MIS’ Pit Road Suites. Mach 1 Racing School will be taking photos of Santa posing with each guest. Pictures may be purchased for $5, with $1 from each picture sold going back to MIS Cares.

MIS decided to continue the Track Drive for Charity due to its overwhelming success in 2009.

“We had such a wonderful turnout for last year’s drive, which collected thousands of toys and food items. It made a significant positive impact on a number of families for the holiday season,” Alisha Cottrell, director of Government and Community Relations for MIS, said. “People need hope during the holidays, especially during tough economic times. Hopefully our efforts again this year will give those in need a little lift.”

Anyone who donates at the speedway or participates in the track drive will automatically be entered to win two tickets to the June weekend at MIS as a guest in the Champions Club, MIS’ all-inclusive hospitality suite. The suite tickets are good June 17-19.

Track drive participants should enter the speedway though the tunnel gate off Brooklyn Highway and follow signs to the infield entry point. Guests will be directed to enter the racetrack via the Pit Road Suite Building underpass, where they will take a controlled pace lap of 25 mph around the two-mile racetrack. Once around the track, guests will depart the track where they entered.

Toy and food donations will also be accepted at MIS during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Toys for Tots and Food Pantry collection boxes are in the speedway lobby until Dec. 17.

All donated toys must be unwrapped and new. Donated food items should be nonperishable. The Food Pantry is also seeking soap products, paper goods, canned fruits and juices.

MIS’ neighbor Competition Tire will donate a Goodyear vehicle for storage and transportation of all donations collected during the event.

The employees of the speedway and Americrown Corp. will provide support for the event and also make a donation to the two organizations with personal support.

“Now, more than ever, local charities need our support,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “We don’t just work here; we live here. And our neighbors need help this holiday. We’re happy to be a part of this community and need our race fans and friends to help us support it.”

For details on the MIS track drive or donation collection during regular business hours, please call the speedway at 517-592-6666. Or log onto 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.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2011 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. The renewal deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 16. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2011.

Michigan International Speedway - 2011 Schedule

Saturday, May 21 Great Lakes Wine Fest

Friday, June 17 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200

Saturday, June 18 NASCAR Nationwide Series

Sunday, June 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 19 Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200

Sunday, Aug. 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series