By Staff
BROOKLYN – Resolutions introduced by Sen. Cameron S. Brown and Rep. Martin Griffin declaring August as "Michigan International Speedway Month" were unanimously approved by the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives this week.
The resolution recognizes MIS as one of the premier speedways in the country and applauds the significant role it plays in the local and state economy.
"With the Firestone Indy 400, the CARFAX 250, and the 3M Performance 400 all this month, August is truly Michigan International Speedway Month in Michigan," said Brown, R-Fawn River Township. "Those of us in the 16th Senate District are proud that this first class organization calls our community home."
"MIS has always played an important role in the Michigan economy and we're excited to be able to honor them by declaring this as Michigan International Speedway month," said Griffin, D-Jackson.
The resolutions detail the $400 million annual economic impact of the track, which has seating for 132,000 fans on its 1,400-acre site in the Irish Hills. The two annual NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races hosted by MIS are the biggest single-day sporting events in the state, attracting fans from 13 countries and all 50 states.
The resolutions also recognize the track's extensive charitable work, which totals approximately $500,000 annually and includes the Spirit of America 800, the state's largest single-day blood drive.
"This is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our state leaders in this regard," track President Roger Curtis said. "August is one of our busiest months as we host some of the world's most popular racing. We appreciate everything the state has done for us and we will continue to move forward in our efforts to help grow the economy of Michigan."
Tickets for the remainder of the 2007 race season at MIS, including the Firestone Indy 400 IndyCar Series race on Aug. 5, the CARFAX 250 Busch Series race and post-race concert by Smash Mouth on Aug. 18, and the 3M Performance 400 NEXTEL Cup Series race on Aug. 19, are on sale by calling the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800.354.1010 or by visiting MISpeedway.com.