Catchfence

Fans can bring unwrapped toys, food items to benefit Toys for Tots and Brooklyn Food Pantry

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Nov. 19, 2009) — If charity begins at home, then there’s no place like Michigan.

Michigan International Speedway is collecting goods to benefit two local charities by hosting a lap around the racetrack from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, weather dependent. Guests may take one lap in their personal automobiles around the historic two-mile oval in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy or bag of food that will be donated to Toys for Tots in Jackson, Mich., and the Food Pantry, in Brooklyn, Mich., respectively.

“People need hope during the holidays, especially during tough economic times,” Alisha Cottrell, director of Government and Community Relations for MIS, said. “Hopefully our efforts will not only give those in a need a little lift, but also brighten the lives of the staff for getting involved in our community.”

Anyone who donates at the speedway or participates in the track drive will automatically be entered to win two tickets to the June weekend at MIS as a guest in the Champions Club, MIS’ all-inclusive hospitality suite. The suite tickets are good June 11-13.

Track drive participants should enter the speedway though the US 12 gate (12626 US Highway 12, Brooklyn, Mich.) and follow the signs to the entry point. Guests will be directed to enter the racetrack via the backstretch, where they will take a controlled pace lap of 25 mph around the two-mile racetrack. Once around the track, guests will depart the track where they entered.

The speedway has not opened its gates for a public track drive since 2005 when it hosted a similar effort to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. That drive raised more than $20,000.

Toys and food donations will also be accepted at MIS during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Toys for Tots and Food Pantry collection boxes are in the speedway lobby until Dec. 16.

All donated toys must be unwrapped and new. Donated food items should be nonperishable. The Food Pantry is also seeking soap products, paper goods, canned fruits and juices.

MIS’ neighbor Competition Tire will donate a Goodyear vehicle for storage and transportation of all donations collected during the event.

The employees of the speedway and Americrown Corp. will provide support for the event and also make a donation to the two organizations with personal support. The staff at MIS have traditionally adopted two local families for the holidays, but are putting their efforts behind the two organizations to serve a larger good.

“Now, more than ever, local charities need our support,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “We don’t just work here; we live here. And our neighbors need help this holiday. We’re happy to be a part of this community and need our race fans and friends to help us support it.”

For details on the MIS track drive or donation collection during regular business hours, please call the speedway at 517-592-6666. Or log onto www.MISpeedway.com.

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 customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit until Jan. 5. 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. Prices are subject to go up after the deposit period.

Michigan International Speedway – 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX Racing for Wildlife 200
Saturday, June 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Sunday, June 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400

Friday, Aug. 13 Gatorade Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide CARFAX 250 Series
Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup CARFAX 400 Series

- Michigan International Speedway, Press Release