Michigan International honored

Published 5:39 pm Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Larry Henry (left) and Roger Curtis were named “Track Announcer of the Year” and “Promoter of the Year” by the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club on Saturday night. (The Daily News/Courtesy Michigan International Speedway)

BROOKLYN — The fans have spoken and Michigan International Speedway, and its president Roger Curtis, are the top track promoters in the state of Michigan.

MIS was honored with the “Promoter of the Year” award by the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club on Saturday night at the DeCarlo’s Banquet Center in Warren. Curtis accepted the award on behalf of the speedway in front of more than 450 in attendance at the 45th annual event.

“We’ve been recognized with many awards over the last several years, but this one means a lot to all of us at the speedway because it came from the race fans,” Curtis said. “There are so many tremendous short tracks that produce great racing around this state. All of them deserve to be considered the top tracks in the state because they keep racing in the hearts of fans in their respective communities. Many thanks to the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club for their support and for what they do with auto racing and our fans throughout the state.”

The MARFC holds its annual awards banquet in January. The event honors the best-of-the-best in racing throughout the state. Track series champions are recognized during the dinner event, as well as the top promoters, announcers, mechanics and media who help made the sport successful in 2010.

“Our hats go off to MIS for what they do with auto racing, its fans, and their charitable contributions many organizations throughout the state,” MARFC President Dave DeHem said. “Our fans and board members of the MARFC felt that MIS was very deserving of this award for all they’ve done for the fans. We appreciate the speedway and understand that despite many challenges over the last several years, the track continues to put on a great race weekend for its fans. Congratulations to MIS and Roger Curtis for all they do for us race fans.”

MIS’ track announcer, Larry Henry, was also honored at the banquet with the “Track Announcer of the Year” for his longtime efforts at the Irish Hills speedway.

The deadline to place a deposit is approaching on Jan. 31. The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2011 go to customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. 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.