Michigan International Speedway and AAA Team Up For NAIAS Racing Day at the Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 18 -- Thousands of racecar enthusiasts will be able to indulge in their passions at the first 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Racing Day on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Cobo Center.

The event sponsored by Michigan International Speedway (MIS) and AAA Motorsports, features great racing activities in addition to autographs from famous NASCAR drivers. The display may be viewed throughout the show, Jan. 14 - 22. In addition, MIS will give away 2006 Speedway calendars to the first 5,000 people who visit the MIS booth in Michigan Hall on Jan. 19. Plus, see the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series trophy at the MIS display along with picking up a free MIS collector's poster.

"The NAIAS is pleased to give thousands of racecar enthusiasts this new opportunity to enjoy themed attractions as well as special appearances," said Richard Genthe, Senior Co-Chairman for the NAIAS. "Race fans will also be able to meet a few of their favorite auto racing drivers at the event."

Throughout the concourse actual NASCAR stockcars will be on display. These stockcars include: the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., the No. 24 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon and the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson, along with the 2006 MIS Chevrolet SSR pace vehicle. There will also be a cutaway of a Ford racecar on display to show how the car works.

Race fans will be able to meet Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing and Dennis Setzer, winner of last June's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at MIS in his No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado in the Chevrolet Racing Display at the Chevrolet Exhibit. Burton will be available to sign autographs for fans from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Setzer will be available from 2 - 4 p.m. Rick Crawford, driver of the No. 14 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be available for autographs in the afternoon at the Ford F-150 display from 1 - 3 p.m.

"Our events at MIS have really become a celebration of Detroit and the automobile industry. We are very proud of being involved in the 2006 North American International Auto Show as MIS celebrates motorsports in the Motor City," said MIS President Brett Shelton.

Race fans can view AAA's new NEXTEL Cup Series No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, which will be on display in Michigan Hall along with the AAA racecar simulator. AAA has partnered with Roush Racing to serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 6 racecar during the next three racing seasons. Legendary racecar driver Mark Martin has postponed his retirement to continue piloting the No. 6 racecar on behalf of AAA in 2006. Martin will be featured in a number of public service announcements focusing on teen driver safety, AAA's principle public affairs and public advocacy initiative in 2006.

"AAA is extremely proud to be a co-sponsor with the Michigan International Speedway of 'NAIAS Auto Racing Day,'" said Mike Yost, AAA Auto Club Group Director of Motorsports Programs. "Our relationship with MIS dates back to 1996 -- it has been a strong and important partnership for both organizations. As we do each season, AAA and MIS look forward to welcoming race fans to MIS and the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza for an exciting weekend of racing."

  NAIAS 2006 Official Dates
  Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006.

  About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 18th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris- based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at http://www.naias.com/ . Don't Miss It for the World!

About Michigan International Speedway

Michigan International Speedway is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation, a leading promoter of motorsports activities in the United States, currently promoting more than 100 events at 12 major motorsports facilities annually. To purchase tickets to events at MIS, or for more information, log on to http://www.mispeedway.com/ , or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series tickets are on sale now for the 2006 season.

About AAA

The Auto Club Group, based in Dearborn, Michigan, is the largest AAA affiliate in the Midwest and includes the Auto Club Insurance Association as well as six AAA clubs: AAA Chicago, AAA Michigan, AAA Minnesota/Iowa, AAA Nebraska; AAA North Dakota and AAA Wisconsin. It is part of the AAA federation, which has more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA is North America's largest motor club and membership organization. The not-for-profit association is best known for its legendary roadside assistance, comprehensive leisure travel and information services, and its support of traffic safety and other consumer issues.