NASCAR Track Spotlight: Celebrating Michigan International Speedway

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR. The two-mile track – with 18 degrees of banking and 73-feet wide sweeping turns – has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series for more than 50 years. MIS is known for a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment options for fans of all ages.

MIS is the largest registered campground in the State of Michigan with nearly 9,000 campsites across 1,400-plus acres. In addition to the annual NASCAR weekend, MIS hosts multiple non-racing events throughout the year including the Faster Horses country music festival, Formula SAE, driving schools, MHSAA Cross Country State Finals, Nite Lites and more.? Regardless of the event, guests know their experience at the MIS is going to be second-to-none because of the care and detail shown by the staff.

History and Legacy of Michigan International Speedway

Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is situated on over 1,400 acres in the picturesque Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan. The track's groundbreaking took place on September 28, 1967, with more than 2.5 million yards of dirt moved to create its distinctive D-shaped oval, designed by Charles Moneypenny, renowned for his work on Daytona International Speedway. The original design included a versatile 3.1-mile road course, crafted by Formula One legend Stirling Moss, which was occasionally used for passenger car testing. The road courses saw their last races in 1984 and 1973, respectively.

The vision behind MIS came from Lawrence H. LoPatin, a Detroit-area land developer, who spearheaded the project at an estimated cost of $4-6 million. The track's inaugural race was held on October 13, 1968, featuring a 250-mile Indy-style event won by Ronnie Bucknum. The first NASCAR race took place on June 15, 1969, where Cale Yarborough secured victory in a thrilling contest against LeeRoy Yarbrough. Despite LoPatin's forward-thinking approach and the track's initial success, American Raceways, Inc. (ARI) encountered financial difficulties and went bankrupt in 1971, leading to the company's receivership in 1972.

In 1973, Roger Penske acquired MIS for approximately $2 million, envisioning its transformation into a premier motorsports venue. Penske's substantial investments included expanding the grandstands from 25,000 to over 125,000 seats and adding numerous facilities such as garages, suites, and administrative buildings. His commitment significantly elevated the track's status and infrastructure. Penske's influence extended beyond MIS, revitalizing Nazareth Speedway and expanding his racing portfolio through Penske Motorsports, Inc., which became publicly traded in 1997.

In July 1999, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), founded by Bill France, acquired Penske Motorsports. ISC, a prominent force in motorsports, owned numerous venues including Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. In August 2000, MIS reverted to its original name, incorporating "International" to reflect its global significance. The track continued to evolve, unveiling a new suite and media center building in June 2010, further enhancing its facilities.

On October 18, 2019, NASCAR announced the successful completion of its acquisition of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), merging its operations into a new entity under the NASCAR brand. The company continues to be headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, and operates under the NASCAR name.

Memorable Moments and Races

Throughout its 55-plus years, MIS has been the site of many unforgettable moments:

• 1969: Cale Yarborough wins the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at MIS.
• 1970: Charlie Glotzbach claims victory in the first restrictor plate race in NASCAR history.
• 1986: Richard Petty marks his 500th consecutive start.
• 1986: Bill Elliott becomes the first driver to sweep both Cup races in consecutive years (1985 and 1986).
• 1988: Richard Petty reaches his 1,000th career start.
• 2014: Jeff Gordon sets a track qualifying record for the NASCAR Cup Series at 206.558 MPH.

Behind the Scenes: Employee Testimonial(s)

“With such a rich history and significance to the auto manufacturers in the industry, MIS is a really special track to be a part of.” – Rob Hemmig“

“Growing up in the local area, MIS has always been a part of my family’s life. Being able to work here now and be part of the history here and giving back to the local community is something that I am really proud of.” – Jennifer Hutchinson

Community Impact

Michigan International Speedway (MIS) actively collaborates with local community leaders in Brooklyn, Adrian, Jackson, and surrounding areas to support a variety of initiatives throughout the year. These efforts range from charity events and track drives to festivals and more.

MIS is dedicated to building and maintaining strong relationships with local, regional, and statewide businesses. For example, FireKeepers Casino has served as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series race at MIS for 10 years. The track also values partnerships with local businesses, chambers of commerce, and charities, recognizing the importance of being a visible leader in the community.

Continuing the Legacy

Drivers and teams take immense pride in winning at MIS, particularly as it is the home track for many manufacturers. The winning OEM not only earns the prestigious Heritage Trophy but also gains year-long bragging rights and the opportunity to defend their title the following year. Consequently, every driver, team, and manufacturer strive for victory at MIS.

The success of Michigan International Speedway is attributed to the hard work and dedication of every staff member, whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or event support. The collective effort of these individuals is essential to the track's achievements, and MIS is fortunate to have a dedicated team that shares a deep passion for both the facility and the sport.