Final teardown of suite/media center building complete
Burton, with the help of equipment from his sponsor Caterpillar (CAT), finished off the old suite building to make room for a new and improved suite/media center building, scheduled for completion in June 2010.
Despite having CAT as the primary sponsor for his No. 31 Chevrolet, Burton has had few opportunities to operate a piece of CAT equipment before. With the assistance of Clark Construction, who is overseeing the $17 million project, and instruction from equipment operator Ron Reinke of Blue Star Demolition, Burton tore down the last remaining piece of the infield structure.
“I’ve had very few opportunities to operate a piece of CAT equipment and that was sure a lot of fun,” Burton said. “I can’t say enough for MIS and other racetracks in NASCAR who do such a wonderful job of continuing to invest money into their facilities to make them the best possible venues for our loyal NASCAR fans.”
With current MIS suite holders, CAT employees, MIS fans and local media looking on, Burton put on a good show for his first demolition project.
“It’s not as easy as it looks that’s for sure,” Burton said. “After a little practice I was getting the hang of it. I enjoyed it.”
Demolition and construction of the infield redesign began immediately following the track’s Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend on August 14-16. Track fire crews and staff spent the night of the race and the next day to complete move-out of the 27-year-old building.
The new two-story suite/media center building calls for 31 corporate suites that span the second floor of the structure. A number of the suites will include movable walls so areas can expand or decrease based on partners’ needs, building upon MIS’ philosophy to tailor custom packages to each partners’ business goals.
The suites will sit atop a state-of-the-art media, technology and meeting center. Print, radio and TV journalists, including their photographer counterparts from across all news mediums, will have ample space to work and cover MIS’ popular events. Separate rooms for large press conferences and competitor meetings will also be housed on the first floor, near a new kitchen and press dining area.
The scope of Phase One of the project also includes modifying pit road and the current fire lane. The speedway’s fueling station in the garage area will also be moved, and the pedestrian tunnel will be expanded. Phase One of the master plan redesign of the infield is just one piece of an ongoing transformation at MIS. In all, MIS will have spent more than $55 million since 2005 on various capital improvement projects.
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.
The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Current, 2009 customers will have the chance to renew at the best pricing available when they receive their renewal packets. 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 2010.
- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release