BROOKLYN, Mich. (Dec. 4, 2013) — What started as a trip to Michigan International Speedway to enjoy NASCAR racing between a dad and his three daughters has turned into an annual affair. And in 2014, they will be rolling into the Irish Hills from Canada in a freshly painted bus thanks to the fastest track in NASCAR.
Ken Schneider placed the winning bid of $2,025 in the online auction for the Extreme Bus Makeover. Schneider’s recently purchased bus will be professionally designed, painted and decaled by the staff at MIS. He will have the option of choosing one of two designs created by the MIS Sign Shop.
The Schneider family is looking forward to continuing its August tradition of watching the Michigan National Guard 200 and the Pure Michigan 400.
“We have been bringing some more people along, but it started out just being our weekend,” Schneider said. “From 21, 23, 24 they still want to go with their dad and I think that is pretty cool. We get along great. It is our weekend away. Everybody’s lives get busy and it is hard to find time that everybody has the same days off. We plan that August weekend for us and it works. We have fun.”
But first Schneider will be coming to MIS with a group of friends in June to watch the Quicken Loans 400.
“I am a NASCAR fan and I go to MIS in August with my daughters,” Schneider said. “It is our weekend away which is great. I go with the guys in June. It is a great time to go to have a family weekend. It is enjoyable. It is fun. How else can I advertise MIS than with my bus because I go all over the place? It is great.”
When he purchased the bus back in the fall of 2011, Schneider knew it needed a lot of work to even make the trip. He set a deadline of taking the bus to the 2013 Pure Michigan 400 and quickly went about the renovations. The first item on the checklist was completely redoing the inside to add sleeping quarters.
With the inside complete, Schneider knew the next task was the outside. The 1973 MCI Motorcoach was rusted and needed major help.
Schneider knew he wanted a NASCAR theme and that is when a friend mentioned the Extreme Bus Makeover auction. He quickly did some research and submitted his bid.
“Somebody said something about the website and I just went from there,” Schneider said. “Somebody said try it. I did not know what was involved, but I thought what do I have to lose. I pulled the auction up and knew a number where I would go to stop betting on it because I did not know how high it would go. I just put a number on it and let it go.”
This marks the fifth year of the Extreme Bus Makeover at MIS. The idea started as a quick decision to do something unique and different for one lucky fan and has blossomed into an annual charitable tradition that will be remembered by winners forever. All winnings go to MIS Cares.
“The concept started as a spur of the moment idea during camper lineup one year,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Our Maintenance Department enjoys painting the bus during the winter months and we cannot wait for Schneider to bring his bus so we can begin working. But the best part is all money benefits MIS Cares and the charities it supports.”
MIS Cares is a donor advised fund of the NASCAR Foundation, a 501 © (3) non-profit entity. MIS Cares’ mission is to create a lasting, positive impact on our community through charitable giving and volunteer efforts that cultivate community growth and advances quality of life.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s fastest track and 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.
Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.
2014 Michigan International Speedway Schedule
Saturday, May 10 Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson
Friday, June 13 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and Sprint Cup Qualifying
Saturday, June 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series
Sunday, June 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400
Friday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200
Sunday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Kuhbander- Manager of Media Relations
517-592-1204/ bkuhbander@MISpeedway.com
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