BROOKLYN, Mich. -- If charity begins at home, then there’s no place like Michigan International Speedway.

For the third consecutive year, Michigan International Speedway and its non-profit arm, MIS Cares, will collect goods to benefit two local charities by hosting a lap around the racetrack from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, weather dependent.

Guests may take a lap in their personal automobiles around the newly paved two-mile oval in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy or bag of nonperishable food that will be donated to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots, the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn, Mich., and St. Mary’s Food Pantry in Adrian, Mich., respectively.

Guests will also be able to visit with Santa in one of MIS’ Pit Road Suites. Photos will be taken of Santa posing with each guest. Pictures may be purchased for $5, with $1 from each picture sold going back to MIS Cares.

MIS decided to continue the Track Drive for Charity due to its overwhelming success the past two years.

“We had such a wonderful turnout for past tracks drives, which collected thousands of toys and food items. It made a significant positive impact on a number of families for the holiday season,” Alisha Cottrell, director of Government and Community Relations for MIS, said. “People need hope during the holidays, especially during tough economic times. Hopefully our efforts again this year will give those in need a little lift.”

Everyone who participates will automatically be entered to win an MIS gift pack. Guests can also sign their children up for the MIS Kids Club when they attend.

Track drive participants should enter the speedway though the tunnel gate off of Brooklyn Highway and follow signs to the infield entry point. Guests will be directed to enter the racetrack via the Pit Road Suite Building underpass, 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.

Toy 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.

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.

“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.

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Media Note: A photo of vehicles taking a lap around the MIS oval during the 2010 Track Drive for Charity is attached to this e-mail for media use. Credit MIS.

Michigan International Speedway - 2012 Schedule

Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200
Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250
Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Friday, Aug. 17 Meijer Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series