Reel in the big one!

June 11 fishing tournament to benefit MIS Cares 

BROOKLYN, Mich. (May 18, 2009) — Fish beware. NASCAR fans are angling for charity. Michigan International Speedway, in conjunction with the NASCAR Foundation, will host a charity fishing tournament on Thursday,   June 11. Proceeds will benefit MIS Cares, the speedway’s official charity.  

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman will lead two walleye fishing expeditions on Lake Erie from Toledo Beach Marina in LaSalle, Mich. Other drivers and NASCAR personalities are expected to participate in the event, which is the first fund-raising effort for the recently   launched MIS Cares. “Fishing is my favorite way to wind down and enjoy nature,” Newman said. “My grandfather used to take me fishing in this region of Michigan when I was a kid, so I have a lot of good memories around   there.” 

The tournament will kick off the LifeLock 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 14.  The tournament is comprised of two fishing flights — one at 6:30   a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. Anglers from each flight will meet in   between launches for a fish fry at the marina. There will be 50   fishermen per flight. 

“This event not only promises to be fun, but it’s a wonderful way    to help out charity, meet a NASCAR driver and spend some time   outdoors leading up to our NASCAR weekend,” Alisha Cottrell,    director of government and community relations for MIS, said. “I   can’t think of a better way to spend the day than on beautiful Lake    Erie.” 

The day’s schedule includes: 

6:30 to 11:30 a.m.   First fishing expedition 

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Fish Fry lunch 

1:30 to 5:30 p.m.      Second fishing expedition 

Funds raised during the fishing tournament will be distributed to local charities throughout southeast Michiganvia MIS Cares, the speedway’s official charity arm under the umbrella of the NASCAR   Foundation. Part of the money will specifically benefit the    Waterloo Recreation Area for the clean up of Cedar Lake Camp. Cedar   LakeCamp is a Michigan Department of Natural Resources-designated   park and has been designed for families and kids camps to enjoy. 

To register, please contact Alisha Cottrell at Michigan   International Speedway by e-mail atacottrell@mispeedway.com or by   phone at 517-592-6666.