BROOKLYN, MI. (October 13, 2009) - Construction crews have begun erecting steel at the site of Michigan International Speedway’s $17 million suite and media center building project.

“First steel is always an important landmark in a project like this because everyone gets a better sense of the size and scope of what is being constructed,” said Allen Blower, Project Director for Clark Construction which is serving as General Contractor for MIS. “We are very pleased with the progress that has been made to date which has served to keep us on schedule for completion in time for the 2010 season at the track.”

The two-story project design calls for 30 corporate suites that span the second floor of the structure. The suites will sit atop a state-of-the-art media, technology and meeting center. Print, radio and TV journalists will have ample space to work and cover MIS’ popular events. Separate rooms for large press conferences and competitor meetings will also be housed on the first floor, near a new kitchen and press dining area.

Demolition of the old suite/media center building occurred the day after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 race last August.

The scope of Phase One of the project also includes modifying pit road and the current fire lane. The speedway’s fueling station in the garage will also be moved. The project is the largest at MIS since the construction of the suite tower in 2005. In that venture, the speedway’s motorsports fan display area was also expanded and paved.

Phase One of the master plan redesign of the infield is just one piece of an ongoing transformation at MIS. In all, MIS will have spent more than $55 million since 2005 on various capital improvement projects from enhanced seating to a new scoreboard and public address system, to better campsites and directional signage — all with the fan in mind.

Future hopes for the speedway include an eventual Phase Two of an infield renovation to create a fan walk-style entertainment area with fan-accessible garages.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Current, 2009 customers will have the chance to renew at the best pricing available when they receive their renewal packets. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2010.

Media Note: A photo of the erecting of steel for the new MIS suite/media center building is attached to this e-mail for media use. Credit Michigan International Speedway.

About Clark Construction Company: Clark Construction Company was founded in 1946 and is ranked as one of the top 400 CM firms in the nation by Engineering News Record. The firm is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan and has projects in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Texas. In addition to a full range of Construction Management services, Clark continues to offer Program Management, General Contracting and Design/Build services.

Michigan International Speedway - 2010 Start Times
Friday, June 11 ARCA Series Racing for Wildlife 200 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – Time TBA
Sunday, June 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 – 1 p.m. on TNT

Friday, Aug. 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice & Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 – Time TBA
Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 – 1 p.m. on ESPN