Michigan Int'l Speedway names grand marshal

Local Army Veteran to Serve as Grand Marshal for VFW 200 at Michigan International Speedway

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 3, 2010) -- Michigan International Speedway and the VFW Foundation have announced that local U.S. Army veteran Michael Montange of Chelsea, Mich. will serve as grand marshal for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 on Saturday, June 12 at MIS.

As grand marshal, Montange will be introduced during pre-race ceremonies for the VFW 200 and will give the famous command for drivers to start their engines before making parade laps in the official Ford Mustang pace car prior to the start of the race.

Montange, who served three tours in Iraq, will be joined by his parents, his sister and her husband as special guests of the VFW Foundation's Salute to Military Families program and will receive VIP treatment throughout the June race weekend. Montange's girlfriend is currently serving in Iraq and could not join them for the event.

The family will be provided with a RV for weekend accommodations in the Graves Farm Campground at MIS. MISCamping.com, the official RV rental company and camping sponsor of MIS, and Home Depot partnered to build an access ramp for Montange, who was wounded by an IED bomb during combat and returned home in 2007 a disabled veteran.

Montange and his family will also receive suite passes and garage passes for Friday, Saturday and Sunday's events. They will enjoy garage tours, pace car rides and special access to drivers' meetings, pre-race ceremonies and victory lane celebrations.

Through their Salute to Military Families program at MIS, VFW will provide over 500 local veterans and active duty military and their families with grandstand tickets, chalet and suite hospitality with complimentary food and beverage, and special VIP treatment throughout the event weekend at MIS.

The VFW 200 and Salute to Military Families events are part of the VFW Foundation's nationwide Return the Favor awareness and fundraising campaign designed to honor and celebrate active-duty and retired military and their families.

"Unfortunately, U.S. troops rarely have the luxury to attend sporting events or entertainment activities, so that's where we step in. It's our way of 'saying thanks' for all they do," said John G. Lowe, VFW Foundation Deputy Director. "Our Return the Favor events not only boost troop morale but also draw attention to the urgent needs of U.S. military service personnel. It also allows us to get the word out about our other programs and services. These include free communication options for troops overseas so they can call home on a regular basis and financial assistance to their families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, food and medicine."

The VFW Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the official charity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), America's oldest and largest service group for combat veterans. The VFW Foundation receives no government funding, and instead relies solely on public and corporate donations.

Donate today to "return the favor" to those who have given so much. Find out more about the VFW Foundation and make a donation by visiting www.ReturnTheFavor.org. You can also make a $10 donation by texting "RETURN" to 90999 now.

About the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Foundation

Since its inception in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, America's largest major combat veterans group, has without fail taken the lead in ensuring that issues of vital importance to American military personnel and veterans have not been ignored. This proud tradition of unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom, patriotism and concern for individuals who have so selflessly defended our country abroad is unique to the American experience. Today, our 1,600,000 members, both male and female, come from every conceivable geographic region, ethnic heritage, and span a wide range of adult ages. The VFW Foundation, one of America's most highly-rated 501(c)(3) nonprofits established in 1996, is the fundraising arm of the VFW.

For more information please contact John G. Lowe, VFW Foundation Deputy Director, at (816) 968-2720 or visit www.vfwfoundation.org

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.

Tickets for all MIS NASCAR races including the VFW 200 are now on sale. MIS is also offering special discount tickets as low as $25 for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and the CARFAX 400 on August 15. Visit www.MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.

-source: mis