Newman fishing trips on June 11 benefit MIS Cares

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Fish beware. NASCAR fans are angling for charity.

Michigan International Speedway, in conjunction with the NASCAR Foundation, will host a charity fishing tournament on June 11. Proceeds will benefit MIS Cares, the speedway's official charity.

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Spring Cup Series driver Ryan Newman will lead two walleye fishing expeditions on Lake Erie from Toledo Beach Marina in LaSalle, Mich. Other drivers and NASCAR personalities are expected to participate in the event, which is the first fund-raising effort for the recently launched MIS Cares.

"Fishing is my favorite way to wind down and enjoy nature," Newman said. "My grandfather used to take me fishing in this region of Michigan when I was a kid, so I have a lot of good memories around there."

The tournament will kick off the LifeLock 400 event at MIS on June 14.

The tournament is comprised of two fishing flights -- one at 6:30 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. Anglers from each flight will meet in between launches for a fish fry at the marina. There will be 50 fishermen per flight.

"This event not only promises to be fun, but it's a wonderful way to help out charity, meet a NASCAR driver and spend some time outdoors leading up to our NASCAR weekend," said Alisha Cottrell, director of government and community relations for MIS. "I can't think of a better way to spend the day than on beautiful Lake Erie."

Anglers can participate in the tournament through company-sponsored packages or via individual commitments. Costs to participate start at $350 for an individual, which includes lunch and race tickets to the LifeLock 400. A limited number of sponsorship packages are available.

The day's schedule includes:
• 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. First fishing expedition
• 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fish Fry lunch
• 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Second fishing expedition

Funds raised during the fishing tournament will be distributed to local charities throughout southeast Michigan via MIS Cares, the speedway's official charity arm under the umbrella of the NASCAR Foundation. Part of the money will specifically benefit the Waterloo Recreation Area for the clean up of Cedar Lake Camp. Cedar Lake Camp is a Michigan Department of Natural Resources-designated park and has been designed for families and kids camps to enjoy.

To register, please contact Alisha Cottrell at Michigan International Speedway by e-mail at acottrell@mispeedway.com or by phone at 517-592-6666.