NASCAR Update: Michigan International Speedway

Michigan race fans, in just two weeks NASCAR returns to MIS for the Pure Michigan 400 and the Lasco Press will keep you updated on the latest news leading up to race weekend. The excitement builds as we look forward to another great event in our own backyard, the beautiful Irish Hills of Southern Michigan.NASCAR announced that the same competition handling package used in the Firekeepers Casino 400 will again be the set-up forthe Pure Michigan 400. The reduced downforce on the car’s suspension produced exciting restarts and more passing than had been the norm during events at the track over the last few years. With teams having the chance to work with the new rules, both at Michigan and Kentucky, we can expect the crew chiefs will have their cars dialed in for a competitive afternoon on NASCAR’s fastest track. The official announcement included specific technical details and a quote from June’s winner Joey Logano.NASCAR has made updates to the 2016 aerodynamic package to further reduce downforce and sideforce. They are:–   Welded truck trailing arms–   New brake cooling rules–   Reduce skew generated sideforce by setting rear toe to zero (same rule used in All-Star race)–   Aero package tweaks to reduce aero generated downforce and sideforce–   Spoiler shortened from 3.5 inches to 2.5 inches–   Splitter reduced to 2 inches–   Resize of deck fin to match spoilerThe FireKeepers Casino 400 featured 14 lead changes among eight drivers, with the margin of victory less than a second. Drivers and fans were entertained by the new package, especially restarts.“You know, I think that thrill, the adrenaline that you get by controlling something that’s out of control,” FireKeepers Casino 400 winner Joey Logano said after the race. “A lot of times being right on that edge of backing it in the fence which we saw happening in qualifying and you’re just right on that edge. I remember after qualifying I was walking into the media center here and I was signing an autograph and my hand was shaking. I couldn’t even write my name. That’s cool. That’s how on edge you have to be to go fast, and it was like that for 400 miles today, you know, that you’re just right on that ragged edge, and that’s awesome.”Michigan International Speedway has announced a number of exciting fan experiences leading up to and including race weekend. Listed below are some of the events that fans can participate in during the buildup to the Sprint Cup event.Spend the day fishing with Martin Truex Jr.Grab your fishing pole and come to Milliken State Park and Harbor on August 17 to fish with Furniture Row Racing driver Martin Truex Jr.Fans are invited to join Truex, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a special fishing clinic. Guests are invited to Milliken State Park at 1900 Atwater St., Detroit, Michigan. There is no better way to learn about fishing in Pure Michigan than with Truex along the picturesque Detroit River.Join Truex for a Hook Line & Sinker fishing experience on the Detroit Riverfront and find out why Michigan is known for its world class fisheries.  No experience or equipment is required to attend! First time anglers will start off with an introductory casting course to learn the basics before moving on to a real fishing rod with live bait.  Park staff will assist you at every step. A rod and bait will be provided.And the lessons are FREE. Participants 17 and older must have a fishing license, which can be purchased at the Outdoor Adventure Center across the street. You can also purchase a fishing license online.A Thousand Horses and Drake White and The Big Fire added to Keloorah LineupThe lineup for Keloorah in August just got bigger. A Thousand Horses and Drake White and The Big Fire have been added to an already jammed packed festival schedule on August 26-27.The two acts join country music favorites Chase Rice, Chase Bryant, Kip Moore and Tim Dugger at Keloorah during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Michigan International Speedway.“We are excited to have A Thousand Horses and Drake White and The Big Fire join our already impressive list of country music performers in August,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “NASCAR is more than a race. It is a festival, which is exactly what we have for fans in Keloorah.”Keloorah is a unique concept. It’s a two-day music festival that takes place on Friday and Saturday during the August 26-28 NASCAR weekend at MIS. The talent lineup combined with unparalleled activities at the festival such as go karts, an arcade and paint and foam deejay party elevates the post-race fun.The lineup for Keloorah is impressive and will give NASCAR fans and music festival fans an experience to remember.Keloorah ticket packages that include a NASCAR ticket for the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 28 start at $60.NASCAR fans who already have a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ticket for Aug. 28 can add a two-day Keloorah festival ticket for $30.VIP upgrade tickets for special access are also available.Once inside Keloorah gates, all activities at the festival are FREE.2016 Michigan International Speedway Schedule:Friday, Aug. 26                  NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice QualifyingSaturday, Aug. 27             NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200Sunday, Aug. 28                NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400Look to the Lasco Press for continued coverage of events at MIS, including complete race-day reporting.