Michigan International Speedway’s Curtis receives local chamber award

BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 23, 2009) ­— Being an active member of the local community is important to Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis. The Brooklyn-Irish Hills area is home to MIS and Curtis is committed to support a community that has embraced the track as its own for over 40 years.

The Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce has recognized Curtis’ commitment by honoring him with the President’s Award for his positive influence and impact on the community.

“Roger (Curtis) has really been an asset to the chamber, and has gone over and above his call,” Pam Johnson, president of Brooklyn Irish-Hills Chamber, said. “He jumps in with both feet and truly commits his personal and professional time to making the Irish Hills a great place to live and do business.”

Although the Brooklyn Irish-Hills Chamber award was developed 15 years ago, but it is not given annually, Johnson said. The chamber president chooses a recipient whom they feel is well deserving and exemplifies community spirit.

“This is an extremely prestigious award. It is for everyone at MIS and is an acknowledgement of our efforts as a team to communicate, respect and support our great hometown of Brooklyn,” Curtis said. “It is an honor for me to be recognized by this community. We live, work and play here in this beautiful area so it is a real honor to be acknowledged for doing something that I love.”

At the time of his appointment as the head of MIS in June of 2006, Curtis had served as the vice president of Sales and Marketing at Auto Club Speedway in California. Before his time at California, Curtis, 42, a native of Terre Haute, Ind., served as the senior director of Marketing and Sales at Richmond International Raceway. Prior to that, he was the director of Marketing and Sales at Watkins Glen International in New York.

With his appointment at Michigan, Curtis returned to his Midwestern roots. His wife, Marla, grew up attending races at MIS and hails from nearby Clarkston, Mich. The couple has one son and two daughters: Austin, Bailey and Cameron.

Curtis currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Qualite Sports Lighting and the Lenawee Chamber for Economic Development.

He also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Michigan State Travel Commission.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Michigan International Speedway - 2009 Schedule

Friday, June 12 ARCA RE/MAX Series Racing for Wildlife 200

Saturday, June 13 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Sunday, June 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400



Friday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice & Qualifying

Saturday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series

Sunday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series