MIS announces earlier start times for 2010
Michigan International Speedway has worked with NASCAR and its television partners to secure earlier start times for its two premier events in 2010. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 will both begin at 1 p.m.
The 1 p.m. start is an hour earlier than Sprint Cup races at MIS in 2009. TNT will broadcast the June event, while ESPN is scheduled to carry the August race.
“We’ve done a great job fixing our traffic issues to get our guests out of the lots safely and quickly so they can get back home at a reasonable hour," Curtis said. “These earlier start times will help our guests make the trip back home so they don’t have to worry about late travel nights or missing work the next day."
Many of the speedway’s ticket holders travel by car from across the region to the racetrack for NASCAR events. So having races start earlier has been a priority for Curtis and his staff because it assists with better traffic flow in and out of the racetrack.
“Fans can usually navigate the roads easier when it’s still daylight outside, helping to further reduce speedway traffic," Curtis said. “Fans want to get home at a reasonable hour after a great weekend at MIS."
The 2010 season kicks off Friday, June 11 with the ARCA Series Racing for Wildlife 200 race at its traditional 5 p.m. start time, following Sprint Cup qualifying. On Saturday, June 12, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will return with the race start time yet to be determined.
In August, Sprint Cup qualifying will take place on Friday, August 13, along with Sprint Cup practice. The NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 also returns on August 14, with a start time yet to be determined.
All times are tentative and subject to change.