BROOKLYN, Mich. -- A NASCAR race is more than a sporting event. It’s a vacation, an experience, a way of life. Some fans, especially first-timers, may need a little help to make the most of the thrill and understand the sport.

So for fans visiting Michigan International Speedway for the first time during the June 15-17 Quicken Loans 400 weekend, having a fellow race fan give friendly advice when you arrive could be extremely beneficial.

That’s exactly what the track’s new “MIS Rookie Pit Stop” program is designed to do.

Throughout the race weekend, first-time race fans are asked to stop by the MIS Rookie Pit Stop and ask a member of the speedway’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and some motorsports insiders for tips and advice on how to understand the speedway and the sport of NASCAR.

“Whether you are a newcomer to MIS or a seasoned veteran, we want each and every fan to walk away from the Pure Michigan 400 race weekend with a positive experience,” MIS Director of Guest Services Tim Booth said. “There are so many things to do and experience at MIS on a race weekend, we felt this new program will help first-time fans and new fans engage with members of our Fan Advisory Board and get some great tips on how to make their race weekend a more enjoyable one.”

The program is being initiated as a way to build fan-to-fan relationships with new guests and make sure their first time at MIS is a positive one. What exactly is wedge? What’s the wave-around rule and what’s a ‘lucky dog’? How does a driver know when to pit and why did they pick that pit road spot? These are some of the things new race fans want and need to know.

Combine a huge sporting venue on 1,400 acres, and a 43-car field of 48s, 24s, 88s and 14s – it’s enough to intimidate anyone.

The Rookie Pit Stop is located near the main Gate 24 ticket office in the New Holland Fan Plaza. The hours are:

Friday, June 15
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 16
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 17
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The activities in the welcome tent are not structured or stuffy. This is a simple, one-on-one interaction among the Fan Advisory Board and guests. And all the first-timers to the pit stop will receive a bumper sticker that reads: “Earned my rookie stripe. June 2012.”

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.

All race tickets are on sale at http://www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. You can also follow track president Roger Curtis on Twitter at @MISRoger.

Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.

Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule

Thursday, June 14 Free practice NASCAR and ARCA session (Turn 3 only; 1-5 p.m.)
Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200
Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 and Gatorade Pole Day
Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400

Friday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice
Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 and Gatorade Pole Day
Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400

Tuesday, Sept. 11 Spirit of America Blood Drive