On the Road With MIS

On the Road with MIS

By John Wells

 In an effort to increase name recognition and attract new fans to racing, Madison International Speedway took its show on the road to the Madison Kids’ Expo Presented by BRAVA Magazine, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI this past weekend.

 Families from throughout south central Wisconsin made their way to the Kids’ Expo where the MIS booth became one of the most popular spots.  Here kids and their parents were able to climb inside the #2 Rockweiler Insulation Late Model of Chuck Garetson, meet the MIS mascot Speedy and the MIS Angels, talk to the drivers, and receive packets of information about the upcoming season.

 “This was a very successful experience for everyone involved,” said MIS Business / Marketing Manager Jason Tyler.  “We were able to get the word out about the very exciting 2012 season, and talked about all the great family entertainment we have to offer at the speedway.”

 The highlight for the visitors was getting the chance to sit inside a real racecar.  “We had over 700 kids and adults climb inside Chuck’s car over the weekend.  You should have seen the looks on their faces…kids and adults,” added Tyler.

 Tyler made it very clear when he came onboard at MIS that they needed to do a better job of getting the word out.  “I was amazed at the number of people who had never heard of the track yet lived within thirty minutes of it.  I know for a fact we have some new fans just based on the comments I heard at the Expo,” he added.

 “I want our teams and sponsors to know that we are out there promoting this speedway.  For the teams, that means more fans in the stands and to our sponsors it means greater exposure to their marketing partnership with us,” said Tyler.

 After climbing out of Garetson’s car, one of the young fans commented, “I can’t wait to get to the track to see this car race.  I got to sit it in and it’ll be pretty cool when I see it racing.”

 Making their way to the Expo were Andy and Lisa from Evansville with their three kids.  “We knew the track was there but hadn’t gone there.  Now we’re planning on going every Friday night.”

 Comments like that are proof that it’s worth taking the show on the road sometimes.

 “I’m pretty pumped up about the positive response,” said Tyler.