About the Venue
Michigan International Speedway boasts a proud history of hosting some of America's best racing action on its 1,400-plus acre in the scenic Irish Hills of Brooklyn, MI. With 18 degree banking and 73-foot wide sweeping turns, MIS provides drivers with three and four grooves to run around the two-mile speedway.
When Michigan International Speedway opened in 1968, the 12,000-seat center grandstand stood overlooking the new two-mile oval with smaller grandstands on each side; totaling 25,000 seats.
The success of the speedway has made MIS the largest sports arena in Michigan. The center grandstand was extended in 1985, in 1989, and again in 1990 to seat over 27,000. In 1999, 28,000-seats were added, increasing capacity to 55,000.
Over the last decade, Michigan International Speedway has increased its reserved seating capacity by 82,000, and since 1985, the speedway has increased its seating by nearly five times.
Venue Pictures
City Guide
BROOKLYN
Brooklyn is primarily a small tourist town of historical interest. And it loves its racing.
When the Michigan International Speedway opened in 1968, it had a 12,000-seat grandstand overlooking the track, with a couple of smaller grandstand on either side. It sat 25,000, and track found Lawrence LoPatin drew compliments for that fact, as well as for bringing racing to the Irish Hills.
Today the Speedway seats 137,243, and since 1992 its NEXTEL Cup races have been the stat’s largest, single-day, paid-admission porting event. It’s also one of the biggest campsites you’ll ever see.
There are seven campgrounds for RV tailgaters, plus the Speedway infield. Parking there will run you $75-$400 depending on which campground you choose. Once thing to keep in mind is not all of the campgrounds are available for IRL race events. MIS will let you roll in early in the week to get the most out of your racing tailgating. Call (800) 354-1010 for details for specific lots and to reserve your space 0- that is a must. No drive-up sales here.
If you’re not staying for the week, you can tailgate in the parking lot on race day. It’s free, but there is no overnight parking. If you put up tents, set out chairs, and the like, be sure to pack them up before heading to your seats. If you don’t, there’s a really good chance they’ll be gone when you get back. Security will confiscate it all.
Free trams run from the perimeter parking lots to dri0off spots on the north and south sides of the track. Once there, you’ll want to visit the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza. The Plaza encompasses 26 acres and includes interactive display areas, vendors, activities, and the Walk of Champions.
During the Day
Mystery Hill: They say it’s mystifying. Baffling. You’ll see water flow uphill and a chair that balances on a wall. You can decide how amazing that is, but Mystery Hill can be a day of fun. In addition to the Mystery Hill tour, there’s miniature golf and remote control car racing (7611 US Hwy 12, Indian Hills, (517) 467-2517, www.mystery-hill.com).
Stagecoach Stop: It began as an antique museum, saloon, and restaurant 40 years ago, and is now a “western resort and family fun park.” There are rooms and cabins, restaurants, children’s rides and activities to take you back to the old west ($ - $$, 7203 US Hwy 12 Irish Hills, Onsted, (517) 467-2300, www.stagecoachstop.com).
The content for this city is an excerpt from The Ultimate Tailgater's Travel Guide. For more information on The Ultimate Tailgater's Travel Guide or to buy the book visit www.theultimatetailgater.com.
