By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
With Michigan International Speedway located just 70 miles outside of Detroit, the competitveness is never hotter among the manufacterers to grab a win.
For Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, Ford and Chevrolet have partnered with MIS to benefit two nonprofit organizations along the way.
Ford will race to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of Michigan while Chevrolet will race for Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit serving America’s military families. Each manufacterer will compete to see who can raise the most money to each respective nonprofit this weekend.
Funds will be raised through the sales of a ticket package for the two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at MIS in 2019
Another five dollars will be donated to the nonprofit of the manufacturer who sells the most tickets for both races. The winning nonprofit will be presented with a check during the pre-race festivities at the Consumers Energy 400 on Aug. 11.
MIS President Rick Brenner is happy to add another layer to the manufacterer rivalry at Michigan to this year’s races.
“We are excited to work with Ford Performance, Chevrolet, JDRF and Operation Homefront,” Brenner said, “to create a competition off the track that will benefit two great nonprofits. With our speedway being so close to the auto capital of the world, the manufacturers place importance on the two races.
“This is another unique way to create a friendly competition and support two great nonprofits in Michigan.”
The fans will also get someone spotlight, too, as the fans who purchase the ticket package will be recognized prerace leading into both Cup races at MIS.
Edsel B. Ford II explained the choice of the JDRF as Ford’s chosen nonprofit.
“The Ford Global Action Team for JDRF is excited to begin this ticket partnership with Michigan,” Ford II said. “Ford Performance has a great NASCAR racing history at MIS, and we are thrilled to bring JDRF this fundraising opportunity.
“Ford has been an elite corporate partner of JDRF for over 20 years and this opportunity will not only generate additional research dollars for JDRF, but bring awareness to Type 1 diabetes.”
Paul Edwards, vice president of Chevrolet marketing, also explained Chevrolet’s choice of Operation Homefront.
“Supporting active duty U.S. military and veterans has been a long-standing commitment for Chevrolet,” said Edwards. “Military families sacrifice so much for our country, and Operation Homefront’s mission to provide financial and housing support is critical to honoring those who serve.”