| Michigan International Speedway | Darlington Raceway |
|---|---|
| Bristol Motor Speedway | Daytona International Speedway |
I attended all 3 days for GetRacingInfo.com and it turned out to be another great racing weekend in the Irish Hills of Southern Michigan.
Although I didn't camp at the track, race fans have some of the best amenities when it comes to camping at a race track. With nearly 9,000 campsites, vacancy signs were visible for this race weekend and one campground on the speedway property is open from May through Labor Day. The MIS Infield was reconfigured by making the infield campsites larger, drainage was improved and for the first time, a "new" row was added even closer to the racing action.
Other big adjustments were in the grandstand area. First, the State of Michigan's new No Smoking law forced race fans to the Fan Plaza - behind the grandstand if they wanted to smoke.
Only problem, cigarette butts were everywhere. My 8 year old son noticed it before I did. I would expect some sort of "ash tray" addition by August or at least have people with brooms and a long handle bucket to sweep up the butts. Most places would just let the cigarette butts lay there, but MIS & ISC have taken pride in a very clean facility & this 2 mile oval is as nice as it gets.
MIS now has "wider seats" in the grandstand ! VERY NICE ! All seating in the main grandstands at Michigan is bench style and the widening of seats was long overdue. Seating capacity at one time was over 136,000.... but with the widening of the seats, capacity is now just under 120,000. I applaud the company for making this move. In 2009 MIS added a General Admission area in turn 4, in June 2010 G.A. SOLD OUT ! Get tickets early.
The new MIS Pit Suites and Media Center are simply incredible. These suites are as nice or nicer than many major stadiums. MIS has set the bar very high !
Traffic at MIS was a concern for many many years, but has improved greatly. Sure it helps when you have 100,000 fans compared to 165,000 about 10 years ago, less people - less cars. But behind the scenes, MIS and the Mich Dept of Transportation have really worked hard together to make this experience better. Here is a hint, don't be afraid to take a back road or two. With many cars having GPS, the options of finding your way to MIS are many. But I'm not going to tell you my secret roads !
Driver appearances in the area around MIS have really taken a dive. Drivers don't visit area businesses as much as they used to, maybe thats one reason there are so many empty seats.
Finally, while attending this June race weekend, it really dawned on me how the tracks owner, ISC, is serious about making MIS one of THE very nicest facilities in their family. I haven't always been on the ISC bandwagon, but this weekend opened my eyes a bit. Track President Roger Curtis and the staff continue to improve MIS, even though ticket sales have diminished. It would be very easy for the company to roll over and let the place go to hell, but they refuse to do that.
GetRacingInfo.com extends a big thank you to the MIS Staff for welcoming us for the June race weekend & we'll be back in August for another big weekend with the Nationwide Series and Cup Series.
Ken Friend
Contributing Editor
GetRacinginfo.com
One (1) soft-sided cooler or bag is allowed into the grandstands per ticket holder provided it fits the required size: 6”x6”x12” or smaller. NASCAR Legal Clear Bag (examples: soft-sided cooler, scanner bag, fanny pack, purse, camera bag, etc. Soft sided coolers with built in radios will be reviewed on an individual basis.)
(1) clear plastic bag is allowed into the grandstands per ticket holder provided it fits the required size: 18”x18”x4” or smaller. NO ICE These bags are usually available outside of the gates (Aug 2009) $20 for a clear bag
Michigan Grandstands have NO overhang - You will be in the sun Take Sunscreen!! The only area that provides shade is grandstands in front of the glass tower on the start/finish line
Items such as binoculars, scanners and cameras (which are not in a bag) are still allowed in
the grandstands.
MIS asks that fans utilize neck straps and belt clips to bring those items through the gate.
Standard seat cushions or stadium seats without armrests are also allowed. Seat cushions
and stadium seats with compartments will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Video equipment is allowed but must not interfere with another guest’s enjoyment of the
race. The images may not be used commercially.
ALL ITEMS BROUGHT THROUGH ADMISSION GATES ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.
Seat TIP! - To see the entire track sit above row 14
NASCAR Legal Coolers are always something to keep in mind from track to track. All carry-in items will be searched prior to entry into Speedway grandstands. It is recommended that fans make their way into the gates at least one hour prior to green flag to allow proper time for inspection of these items.
Kids 12 and under are FREE with purchase of a Adult ticket
General admission grand stand seating only!
Items Fans May NOT Enter Michigan International Speedway Gates With
* Hard-sided coolers, thermoses or insulated cups of any size.
* Glass containers, strollers, umbrellas, bicycles, roller blades, pets, banners, signs or flags.
* Any canvas/cloth or non see-through bag, backpack, purse, or container larger than the
allowed size of 6”x6”x12”.
* Firearms, knives, fireworks and items restricted by local, state or federal laws.
There will be no provisions for checking and holding items deemed inappropriate. Restricted items
may not be left at or around the gate area.
What do you need to know to go to Michigan - What to pack - What not to pack - Tips - We are always looking for tips from any one that has visited Michigan International Speedway and will add any valuable information to this page along with other NASCAR tracks as well.
To order a campsite, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit mispeedway.com
THIS SAT! Sept 5th
