Michigan Int'l Speedway news 2010-08-10

NASCAR Nationwide drivers to participate in Thursday autograph session

BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 10, 2010) -- When the staff at Michigan International Speedway decided the track should open its gates for fans to watch the new NASCAR Nationwide car practice for free on Thursday, drivers in the series reciprocated by volunteering for an autograph session.

Some of the series brightest stars including Justin Allgaier, Chase Austin, Michael Annett, Trevor Bayne, Colin Braun, Shelby Howard, Brian Keselowski, Reed Sorenson, Jason Leffler, Tayler Malsam, Joe Nemechek, Danica Patrick, Robert Richardson Jr., Brian Scott, Morgan Shepherd and Ryan Truex are scheduled to participate in an autograph session from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Thursday underneath the Turn 1 grandstand.

"This is very exciting for us and we are thankful the drivers are participating in an autograph session for some of our fans," speedway President Roger Curtis said. "Look at these names! These are the series' superstars and they truly appreciate the fans as much as we do at MIS and it shows."

The first 250 fans who collect wristbands when the gates open for the Thursday practice session will receive entry into the autograph session. Turn 1 opens at 9 a.m. through Gate 17.

Grandstands will be open during the test of the new Nationwide car all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cars will be practicing for Saturday's CARFAX 250.

Fans who don't get a wristband for the autograph session can still participate in a Nationwide "Tech Talk" after practice around 4 p.m. with NASCAR Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash and driver Colin Braun. Tech Talk is designed to tell fans about the new car, using Braun's Con-Way Freight Ford showcar as a backdrop.

Fans and encouraged to ask Balash and Braun about the car and what it holds for the CARFAX 250 Saturday at MIS.

The new car made its race debut last month at Daytona to much fanfare, where two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and current Nationwide team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. won in a Chevrolet Impala. Other makes of the car include Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Toyota Camry.

The cars are more tailored toward what are actually on the road today. The drivers have said they're impressed with the handling and look of the car. The manufacturers still have extended use of graphics to help further distinguish their models.

Fans may park in Lot 10 and access the Turn 1 grandstands through Gate 17, near the track's water tower.

A continuous tram loop will run throughout the property to pick up campers. Fans are asked to stay out of the New Holland Fan Plaza as Thursday is a busy set-up day for the track. Preparation are under way for the "Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend" featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400.

Merchandise and refreshment items will be on sale in the Turn 1 area throughout the test session.

The autograph schedule is dependent on weather and may change. Please call MIS for details.

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 Saturday's Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 are $40 for adults with kids 12 and under free. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for all of this weekend's events at MIS, including the CARFAX 400 Sprint Cup race.

-source: mis