The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas features a who’s who of the auto industry. And MIS boss Roger Curtis is a panelist at the annual trade show.
The future of NASCAR depends on youth, both on the track and in the stands. Curtis, long known for his innovated ideas for enhancing the experience for children, will be discussing what is being done in the sport. The discussion will focus on the initiatives that have been implemented by NASCAR as a sport right down to a track level.
“It is an honor to be asked to be part of this prestigious event,” Curtis said. “The SEMA show brings the best of the industry together in one location to discuss all things related to the automobiles. I look forward to sharing our plans about enhancing the youth initiatives in NASCAR and how we can work together to make it successful.”
Curtis will be joined on the panel by NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell. Also scheduled to join the discussion are Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Design and SRT Group; Tanner Foust, Global Rally Cross; Jim Campbell, General Motors Performance Vehicles and Motorsports; Jamie Allison, Ford Racing; Brian Gale, Global Rally Cross.
Michigan International Speedway has been at the forefront in the NASCAR industry for introducing youth to NASCAR. The track features special ticket pricing for children and also for family. In addition, MIS joins forces with drivers to enhance the ticket package. The Jimmie Johnson ticket package was one of the most popular in 2012, selling out at both race weekends. Not only did fans receive two tickets to the race and a scanner, but they also were invited to a special Q&A session with the driver.
More importantly, the racetrack also recently revealed plans with partner Adrian College to provide college biology students with opportunities to research and study animal and plant life on 900 acres of the 1,400-acre, environmentally rich Michigan International Speedway. Adrian College students have already found and photographed biological samples and developed displays for the MIS offices, enlisting Adrian College art majors for illustrations. Adrian College students have also developed a field guide and self-guided tour book for visitors.
The partnership has also opened Michigan International Speedway to a new demographic of school-aged children and college kids, opening their eyes to nature, conservancy and NASCAR. MIS is able to showcase NASCAR, while helping youth take active roles in addressing the complex environmental challenges facing the world, and instilling in them a sense of responsibility for and stewardship of the open spaces, waterways and natural resources.
Additionally, Curtis has been instrumental in opening the 1,400 acres of the facility to auto manufacturers as a neutral testing ground. Located in the heart of America’s automobile manufacturing and testing, the track has multiple intersections, a road course that goes through remote areas to offer real life situations in a secure environment, obstructions and a recently repaved road course in the infield. In addition, the large skid pad on the back stretch offers an opportunity to test how cars talk to each during quick braking, scalability and other evasive maneuvers.
The racetrack is a perfect, neutral testing location for manufacturers and suppliers.
SEMA consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street-rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams and much more. The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.
SEMA Show 2011 drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 1,500 newly introduced parts, tools and components.
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