MIS Historical Plaque To Be Unveiled

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(August 3, 2023 4:16 PM ET) History will be made again at Michigan International Speedway this weekend.

This time the historical maker is for the facility. 

On Aug. 4, Jackson County historians will unveil the latest of several historic markers at the nationally renowned MIS. The 12:30 p.m. ceremony will take place outside of the speedway – where ground was broken for the motorsport’s facility on Sept. 27, 1967. 

The gathering, open to the public, is under the auspices of the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society, Michigan International Speedway, and NASCAR. Funding for this marker has been provided by the Jackson County Visitors Bureau, Experience Jackson. Speakers will include representatives from the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society and Michigan International Speedway. 

Tickets are not necessary to see the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society event. 

MIS was built in 1967 in Brooklyn, Michigan, and held its first race in 1968. Since then, the track has been a staple of the motorsports scene, hosting a wide variety of racing series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and ARCA. The track has been the site of many memorable moments, including some of the most thrilling finishes in NASCAR history.

The facility, developed by Detroit entrepreneur Lawrence LoPatin and designed by architect Charles Moneypenny, was created to be among the best and fastest of its kind in the world. Hallmarks include its banked, D-shaped, 2-mile oval for high speed racing, a road course of 2.75 miles inside and outside the main oval, and two additional road courses. 

In 1972, Roger Penske purchased the speedway for an estimated $2 million. During Penske’s ownership the track was upgraded several times from the original capacity to 125,000 seating capacity. 

In 1999, the speedway was purchased by International Speedway Corporation. The AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza – a reconfiguration of over 26 acres – was created for fans behind the main grandstand. Improvements included a new, three-story viewing tower housing the Champions Club presented by AAA and 16 new corporate suites targeted VIP guests. A press box and a race operations facility high above the two-mile oval welcomed the media and race officials. MIS was repaved prior to the 2012 season. This marks the first time since 1995 that the oval was resurfaced, along with 1967, 1975, and 1986. 

Today, the property comprises about 1,400 acres and reflects numerous expansions, improvements, and state-of-the-art accommodations. The Michigan International Speedway remains the fastest track in NASCAR. 

For more information on events presented by the JCMHS County Historical Marker Program – or anything related to the non-profit – visit www.myjacksonhistorical.org.

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.

WHERE: Michigan International Speedway, 12626 U.S. Highway 12, Brooklyn, MI 49230-9068

HOW TO GET THERE: Turn into lot Gate 3 parking near Brooklyn and Taylor Roads, go to the top of the hill, and look for the large white tent near Turn 4.