BROOKLYN – Danica Patrick is returning to Michigan International Speedway this summer with NASCAR’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., standing beside her.

The IndyCar star announced her 12-race NASCAR Nationwide Series race schedule today, which includes the August 14 CARFAX 250 at MIS. Patrick will race in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet for JR Motorsports and team owner Earnhardt Jr. She will race for the same team that produced last year’s CARFAX 250 winner Brad Keselowski.

Patrick and Earnhardt Jr. bring the two biggest stars in their sport to MIS.

“I’m thrilled to announce our 2010 Nationwide Series schedule,” said Patrick. “Like I’ve said before, we just want to be smart and calculative about this process. The tracks we’ve selected not only complement the IndyCar schedule, but will give me quality seat time at a variety of facilities.”

Being one of the few females that will have competed in Nationwide Series competition, Patrick brings with her unparalleled excitement in anticipation of her NASCAR debut. Her knowledge and competitiveness she has brought to the two-mile Irish Hills oval in the past as an IndyCar driver will benefit her at one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks.

“This is great news for MIS and the CARFAX 250,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Danica Patrick is a very talented driver who will add a great deal of excitement for our Nationwide Series event on August 14. Danica and her team, JR Motorsports, felt that MIS would be a facility she could have some success at in her first year in stock car racing. It will be special for our race fans to watch. At least we didn’t have to bring her a lobster to get her to race here.”

Patrick has had success at the two-mile Irish Hills oval during her IndyCar career. In three career starts from 2005-07, her best finish of seventh came during the 2007 campaign.

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.
MIS’ Value Pricing Period began on Monday. Tickets for the August 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250, along with the Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 will go on sale to the public at that time.

Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 on Feb. 1 to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.