MIS eyes possible IndyCar return

Rick Brenner not opposed to a return of IndyCar at MIS

A college football game at Brooklyn's Michigan International Speedway?

Maybe the return of the Verizon IndyCar Series to the two-mile oval in the Irish Hills?

Newly appointed MIS president Rick Brenner, a former minor league baseball executive, won't overlook any idea "that makes sense" to the speedway and the region, he said Monday in a teleconference writes Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press.

Brenner, who will be on the job at MIS officially next Monday, spoke with media for the first time since International Speedway Corp. named him president of MIS on Thursday, replacing Roger Curtis, who stepped down unexpectedly.

Brenner, 48, most recently served more than 10 years as president of DSF Sports and Entertainment, the company that owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats baseball team.

Brenner has never worked at a racetrack, he said.

"I've caught a few races in my time," said Brenner, who is married with two sons and a daughter. "I certainly watch a lot, as much as I can, been a fan and watch it (racing) on the tube. We have a great track (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) here as well … and I've watched a few (races) there as well."

While Brenner has no experience in motorsports administration or marketing, he says his approach to NASCAR racing and fans at MIS will be similar to that working in baseball.

"I'll do everything in getting out and mixing with people," said Brenner, who succeeds a fan-friendly president in Curtis, who made it part of his job to mingle with fans at MIS, particularly in the infield on race weekends. "A big part of my focus will be on fans and fan interaction and making it an overall experience the best it can be for people who come to the track.

"I think there's a great platform already in place at MIS and a great team of people, and I look forward to joining our skill sets together and continuing to build layers of reasons for people to want to come out and enjoy racing."

In the past 10 or so years at MIS, race attendance for the June and August NASCAR events has dipped dramatically, from more than 120,000 fans at each race weekend to 85,000-90,000 tops the past few years.

Curtis was responsible for millions of dollars in track improvements and safety and making MIS a true fan experience, from providing family camping areas to a fan interactive plaza and the erection of a state-of-the-art scoreboard

But ticket sales declined during his tenure in a tough economy.

"One of the things I always look at is: It's not necessarily what I would think that someone would want; it's what they want," he said.

"It's about engagement with fans and talking with them. I'm open to any ideas and try as many things as you can without taking away from our events and the ability to enjoy the events." Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press