Michigan International Speedway maintains the motorsports standard in charitable involvement and continues to strengthen its commitment to the community. In-kind and cash donations to community and charitable organizations in 2007 totaled nearly $278,000.

"We have a responsibility to use our resources and our influence to have a positive impact in our community," speedway President Roger Curtis said. "In addition to hosting great racing events, it's Michigan International Speedway's responsibility to give back its time and resources to charitable organizations throughout the communities that support us."

Cash is just a small part of the donation process, Curtis reminds. In-kind donations, which can take the form of race tickets and memorabilia donated to clubs for fund-raising purposes and the contribution of goods and services by speedway staff to events, is a creative way to fund and assist charitable endeavors.

MIS regularly donates staff time and resources to set up speedway-owned tents, tables and chairs for various community activities in the area.

Several of the MIS staff also actively and tirelessly participate in charitable and community organizations during their personal time.

"These communities aren't just where we do business; they're where we live. It's important for us to take an active role in making our communities better by supporting these great organizations and causes," Curtis said.

The following are many of the events MIS is proud to be a part of in 2008:

Spirit of America 800 - September 11, 2008
Each year on September 11, Michigan International Speedway hosts the Spirit of America blood drive with all donations benefiting the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross. Due to its overwhelming success, the Spirit of America blood drive caught the attention of the NASCAR Foundation, which has since created the NASCAR Foundation Blood & Marrow Drive, which took place at 25 different race tracks around the country in 2007.

Since its inception in 2002, the drive has proven to be one of the largest of its kind on 9-11. The race-themed blood drive has grown in each of its six years and has more than doubled its units collected since 2002. One of the highlights of the drive is "Unity Field," a 10-acre tribute of 3,000 American flags, which are displayed along with the names of all who lost their lives on 9-11.

Anyone wishing to donate blood and be a part of the largest blood drive in the Great Lakes region, can visit www.SpiritofAmerica800.com or call 1-800-YOU-GAVE to sign-up.

Night of Champions
The Night of Champions is held bi-annually at Michigan International Speedway on Thursday of the June NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend. The four events since 2001 have helped raise over $320,000 for two Lenawee County charities, the Boys & Girls Club and Hospice. Each event has honored an individual who has given their time and energy to a specific community function which is unique to them. Past champions honored include longtime MIS Medical Director Dr. John Maino (2007), Detroit Lions all-time sack leader Robert Porcher (2005), former NASCAR Cup veterans Dale Jarrett (2003) and Bill Elliott (2001) and the late University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler (2001).

NASCAR Day
MIS has been a longtime supporter of NASCAR Day, held each year in May. Part of the spirit of NASCAR Day is to sell pins in support of the NASCAR Foundation. Each year, MIS leads the way in NASCAR Day pin sales which raised $20,000 in 2007.