Ride to Return The Favor To Our Troops And Take A Lap Around Michigan International Speedway

BROOKLYN, March 30, 2011: Motorcycle riders have a unique opportunity to take a lap around Michigan International Speedway as part of the first ever Ride to Return the Favor on Saturday, May 21. The ride will raise funds to support the VFW Foundation’s Return the Favor campaign to honor and celebrate active duty military, veterans and their families for their sacrifices to our county.

Riders will check-in at VFW Post 423 in Ann Arbor beginning at 8:00 a.m. The group will depart the Post promptly at 10:00 am and ride through the Irish Hills to MIS in Brooklyn, Mich., where they will be led on a parade lap around the two-mile track. Following a check presentation and awards ceremony, riders will enjoy the Great Lakes Wine Fest, which is included in their registration fee. Each rider will receive an official Return the Favor patch and will have a photo opportunity in Victory Lane at MIS.

The registration fee is $50 per person (rider and passenger must both register) and includes a $25 donation to the VFW Foundation and admission to the Great Lakes Wine Fest and Beer Tent with $10 in tasting tickets. The event lasts until 9:00 pm and includes wine, beer, food and live entertainment. Participants must be 21 or over.

To register for the Ride to Return the Favor, please call Thora at (517) 592-1165 and request the VFW Motorcycle Ride package. You do not have to be a VFW member to participate. Registration is open until May 13.

The VFW Foundation is the official charity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), America’s oldest and largest service group for combat veterans. Through the Return the Favor campaign, the VFW Foundation supports a wide range of programs and services for veterans, active duty military and their families. From financial assistance for families of deployed troops to assisting veterans with benefits claims to providing prepaid phone cards for soldiers overseas, the VFW Foundation is there to provide assistance to those who deserve it most.

The goal is to raise $10,000 to fund Return the Favor programs and services. As an added incentive, the VFW Foundation and Michigan International Speedway have teamed up to offer a VIP Race Experience to the rider that raises the most money. That rider and a guest will each receive cold garage passes, pre-race hospitality passes and grandstand tickets for the Heluva Good!® Sour Cream Dips 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS on June 19.

The Great Lakes Wine Fest at MIS will take place from Noon-9 p.m. on May 21 featuring some of the best Michigan-based wineries, breweries and food the state has to offer. For more information about the festival, visit www.GreatLakesWineFest.com.

About VFW Foundation: The Return the Favor program is an awareness and fundraising campaign to honor, celebrate and support active duty military members, veterans, and their families. All VFW Foundation programs are non-political, free and require no VFW affiliation for assistance. From financial assistance for families of deployed troops to assisting veterans with benefits claims to providing prepaid phone cards for soldiers overseas, the VFW Foundation is there to provide assistance to those who deserve it most. The VFW Foundation is one of the nation’s highest rated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit www.ReturnTheFavor.org.

About Michigan International Speedway: 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.

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB to 69050 on a Sprint Smartphone or other mobile device. Standard text message rates may apply.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 19 and NSCS 400 on August 21 are now on sale and as low as $30. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2011 events at MIS.