Reps. Simpson, Angerer, Spade, Sak, Dean, Vagnozzi, Griffin, Meadows, Coulouris, Warren, Alma Smith, Constan, Miller, Cushingberry, Bennett, Jackson, Tobocman, Accavitti, Hood, Hopgood, Kathleen Law, Farrah, Gillard, Byrnes, Valentine, Meisner, Byrum, Condino, Mayes, Wojno, Bieda, Leland, Ebli, Lemmons, Espinoza, McDowell, Lahti, Hammon, Corriveau, Hammel, Lindberg, Brown, Donigan, Polidori, Robert Jones, LeBlanc, Young, Bauer, Johnson, Clack, Clemente, Scott, Sheltrown, Cheeks, Booher, Brandenburg, Casperson, Caul, Gonzales, Hansen, Horn, Huizenga, LaJoy, Moss, Nitz, Nofs, Palmer, Palsrok, Pastor, Pearce, Proos, Rocca and Stahl offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 376.

            A resolution to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Michigan International Speedway on Thursday, May 22, 2008.

            Whereas, The Michigan International Speedway (MIS) has reached a significant milestone and we commend the management and staff of Michigan International Speedway as it marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of this exemplary name.  We are proud to recognize the important role that this enterprise has played in contributing to both the economic well-being of the state of Michigan and the lives of countless citizens. With a vote in the summer of 1967, Cambridge Township citizens gave the green flag to rezone 800 acres of farmland allowing the track to be built, and after more than 250 races, anyone would have to recant at interpreting a somewhat ominous unveiling as a prediction of things to come. No one at the time suspected it was the start of something much bigger; and

            Whereas, When MIS opened in 1968, the 12,000-seat center grandstand stood overlooking the new two-mile oval, a symbol of a new era for the Irish Hills area. With smaller grandstands on each side, the track proudly boasted 25,000 seats and has become a vital element in helping Michigan grow and adapt to needs in commerce, as well as all aspects of life in the Brooklyn-Irish Hills area. The defining race may have come in its infancy. The first NASCAR race held in 1969 saw two driver’s battle side by side until one hit the wall while trying to pass for the victory, 300 yards from the checkered flag, in a thrilling finish; and  

            Whereas, Over the last decade, MIS has increased its reserved seating capacity by 80,000, and since 1985, the Speedway has increased its seating by nearly five times. This success in maintaining competitiveness during an era of many challenges is the direct result of the commitment of the people of this company and their ability to work together to offer the best in motorsports over the years.  Even as our cyclical Michigan economy has presented obstacles to growth and stability, MIS has sustained itself through dedication and innovation.  MIS gives NASCAR a venue in the Midwest that draws fans from a large national and international population; and

            Whereas, In looking back over 40 years of MIS’s history, it is clear that this name has set its course with a continuing look into the future. With a renovation project that included a reconfiguration of the front stretch area, adding new ticket gates, vendor and display areas, several new concession stands and a new skylounge structure high above the main grandstand near the start/finish line. The track has undergone continuous improvements that have seen the facility become the third largest “city” in Michigan on NASCAR series race weekends; and 

            Whereas, While the changes of the marketplace dictate many of the decisions for any good company, MIS has also demonstrated the importance of looking beyond the balance sheet to include the ideas of its people and the role of the company in community life in making choices to continue to invest in Michigan with a new scoreboard, improved turn one seating, 300 new campsites with electric hookups and new way-finding signage around the Speedway complex.  We are grateful for all that MIS has contributed financially, recreationally, and charitably to the Brooklyn-Irish Hills area and all of Michigan. MIS is a powerful economic engine in the state of Michigan with an impact greater than that of a Super Bowl, garnering $400 million a year; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the Michigan International Speedway as its celebrates its 40th anniversary on Thursday, May 22, 2008.  We salute the management and staff on this happy occasion and wish them well in the years to come.