Catchfence

Eighth year of event expected to have more than 1,200 blood donors attend

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Sept. 3, 2009) — Michigan International Speedway and the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross will host the 8th Annual Spirit of America Blood Drive on Friday, September 11 at MIS.

Since its inception in 2002, the Spirit of America Blood Drive has grown into the largest 9-11 blood drive in the nation with more than 1,100 pints of blood collected just last year. In the past seven years, more than 4,900 units of blood have been collected at the Spirit of America Blood Drive, potentially saving up to 14,000 lives.

“The Spirit of America Drive is so much more than a blood drive,” said MIS Director of Guest Services and Spirit of America founder Tim Booth. “This is an opportunity for individuals to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes and be a hero themselves.”

The American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to make an appointment at this year’s blood drive. The 2009 Spirit of America Blood Drive is by appointment only and there are approximately 50 openings left. To donate, call 800-YOU-GAVE ext. 317 or visit SpiritofAmericaBloodDrive.com. Donors receive a Spirit of America gift bag, lunch in the Champions Club courtesy of Culver’s and a track tour, which features Unity Field, a display of 3,000 American flags honoring the victims of 9-11. Donors also have the opportunity to take part in a special Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-A-Long.

“We are so proud this event, dedicated to the victims and survivors of the 2001 terrorist attacks, continues to grow,” said Sharon Jaksa, CEO of the Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “The tremendous support we receive from Michigan International Speedway, volunteers, blood donors and the community, help us collect hundreds of pints of blood each year to help our hospitals serve their patients in need.”

Be the Match Registry, a National Marrow Donor program, and Gift of Life Michigan will also be on hand to provide all visitors the opportunity to sign up for their database free of charge.

The Spirit of America Blood Drive at MIS is part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Fourth Annual Blood Drive, which is a 31-location, 28-track effort to raise blood around the country. With the support of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle, the NASCAR Foundation Blood Drive has been a great success in its first three years.

Sponsors of the eighth annual Spirit of America Blood Drive include: 3M, Advance America, Americrown, Be The Match, Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce, Chevy Trucks, C&L Sanitation, Coke, Culver’s, DDM Marketing & Communications, Defined Wellness Center, Evelyn Bay Coffee, FOX 47, Gift of Life, Herald Printing, Jackson Community Ambulance, LifeLock, Michigan CAT, NASCAR Foundation, Nationwide Insurance, Prestige Promotional Products, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Vitamin Water.

About the American Red Cross

The Great Lakes Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 700 units of blood a day to meet patient needs in about 70 hospitals in the region. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

About Michigan International Speedway

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