MIS and NASCAR take Fan Appreciation to new heights

Besides seeing 200 MPH speeds at NASCAR’s fastest track, fans will want to visit MIS for Gatorade Pole Day because you just might be awarded a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Michigan International Speedway continues to expand its Fan Appreciation Program and its commitment to ensuring a memorable experience to each guest.

“We have always taken great pride in making our guest experience the best,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Last year with the support of NASCAR we expanded our Fan Appreciation Program to include autograph sessions, hot lap rides with NASCAR drivers, opening up the garages and more. We thank NASCAR, the teams and the drivers for their support with our fans.”

All fans that have purchased a Pit Pass for Friday, Aug. 17 are invited to attend a driver question and answer session. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in the reserved parking lot behind the Pit Road Suites.

Look for the big stage and arrive early to secure your spot to be close to all the action.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., the winner of the Quicken Loans 400 and current leader in the points championship race, is scheduled to partake in the event. In fact, his last two wins at in the Sprint Cup series have occurred at MIS.

He will be joined on stage by Matt Kenseth, who just happens to be second in the points race. Carl Edwards, the runner-up in the 2011 points championship, will also take questions from the fans.

In addition, be on the lookout for MIS staff, including track President Roger Curtis, who will be passing out special garage passes to 300 lucky fans throughout the week. These guests will have the opportunity to watch the Q&A session from a special VIP session located right in front of the stage.

Those fans will then have the exclusive opportunity to tour the Sprint Cup garage until 6:30 p.m. when it closes and to observe the teams working on the cars as they prepare for the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 19.

The excitement is not limited to the Sprint Cup Garage. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series garage will be open from 4-5 p.m. The MIS staff will present 200 guests

with a ticket that can be redeemed for a wristband at Gate 55A in the infield. These fans will also be invited to an autograph session with the truck series drivers in the garage area.

The fan appreciation program does not stop there. Paul Menard, Joey Coulter, Ty Dillon and Nelson Piquet, Jr. will take the fans on a thrill ride they will soon not forget. The 125 guests with a hot lap ride ticket presented by MIS staff will get to take a ride around the fastest track in NASCAR.

MIS