Michiganders will sponsor the Pure Michigan 400 at MIS in Brooklyn once again in 2015 for a total bill of $675,000, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced.
MEDC has sponsored the race for four years, but the sponsorship ran out this year. The new agreement is a commitment for another three years, though it will be funded on a yearly basis assuming the legislature continues appropriating to Travel Michigan.
“We’re very proud of the relationship we have with Pure Michigan. It truly has been a love affair, and I say that with all sincerity,” said Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis.
The Michigan International Speedway gets 385,000 visitors per year, more than 60 percent of which come from out of state, Curtis said. According to the speedway, that amounts to a $414 million economic impact each year.
As the title sponsor, MEDC will get seats, hosting opportunities, signage around the track and the opportunity to give materials to campers or attendees, said MEDC spokesperson Michelle Grinnell.
Next year’s race will take place on Aug. 16, 2015.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said he’d seen Michigan’s return on investment, both tangible and intangible, for sponsoring the race in previous years.
“It’s a good value for the money and something I know will continue to pay dividends to the people of Michigan,” Calley said.
Though next time he’d prefer if Michigan native Brad Keselowski won, he added.
MEDC President and CEO Mike Finney said when people come to see the Pure Michigan 400 they spend money.
“They fill up our hotels, they fill up our restaurants,” Finney said.
Rep. Earl Poleski, R-Jackson, represents the area adjacent to Michigan International Speedway. He’s seen economic impact on race weekends, especially in hotels and restaurants.
“A lot of them come and stay a week, and they spend their vacation there,” Poleski said.
Source: MEDC