MIS announces 2011 NASCAR races

When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Michigan International Speedway in 2011 for two weekends of racing, the events will have a different look.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series race, traditionally held in conjunction with the Sprint Cup Series event in August, will move to June. That move means the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event will be held in August.

“The date swap between the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series events for 2011 will give our schedule a different look, but still give fans amazing Saturday racing in both June and in August," MIS President Roger Curtis said. “June guests will finally see the Nationwide Series and the many Sprint Cup drivers that race in the event, while August fans will finally get to see the Truck Series, in what I think is some of the best racing at MIS each and every year."

The track’s opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in 2011 will be a return to Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19. Nationwide Series racing will be at MIS on Saturday, June 18.

Then, about eight weeks later, Sprint Cup will wind up its summertime stint at MIS on Sunday, August 21, with the Camping World Truck Series on Saturday, August 20.

Curtis and the speedway team did not take the date swap lightly.

“NASCAR approached us seeking realignment with their Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series schedules," Curtis said. “MIS has always been an industry steward in everything we do – with fan initiatives, with the media, with the sanctioning bodies, with our television partners and with our corporate partners. This move is a reflection of a lot of hard work and lots of give and take that looks at all aspects of our business.

“June has always been a summertime kick-off; while August is that end-of-summer celebration," Curtis continued. “Through it all, one thing unites MIS race fans: good times, great prices and exciting racing."

The track will continue keeping ticket prices low for 2011. Race fans who renew and those who leave a $30 goodwill deposit will have the best prices and the best seats. Tickets for a NASCAR Sprint Cup race will start at $25, with children 12 and under free in those sections, ensuring families have a chance to see NASCAR at affordable prices.