BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Felix Sabates, a part-owner of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, outraged many race fans and Michigan residents for suggesting Michigan International Speedway be cut from the Sprint Cup Series schedule because of the state's economy. He has now issued an apology.

"In an attempt at humor I made some comments about the city of Detroit and the people of Michigan that were in poor taste and that I sincerely apologize for," Sabates said. "I have worked directly or indirectly with the auto industry for over 40 years as both an auto dealer and a NASCAR owner and it was never my intention to put down the auto industry, its workers, the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan. I have such respect for all of them.

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I am so frustrated over the challenges that this tough economy has brought to everyone in this country that I inadvertently joked about one of the areas hit the hardest.

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-- FELIX SABATES

"I am so frustrated over the challenges that this tough economy has brought to everyone in this country that I inadvertently joked about one of the areas hit the hardest. Those of us that have the luxury of getting to work in such a great sport like NASCAR owe a great deal to the city of Detroit and their support of the auto industry because without either, the sport of NASCAR would not be what it is today.

"In fact, Michigan International Speedway, even in this tough environment drew an impressive 100,000 fans to the track at their last race.

"My sincerest apologies to anyone that I might have offended, it was certainly not my intent."

Sabates' apology comes at a time when MIS and its surrounding communities are taking a hard hit during the tough economic challenges that face the state. Fans issued several statements of their own on the speedway's Facebook page, through e-mails to the track, radio call-ins across the state and phone calls to the track's ticket hotline.

MIS president Roger Curtis accepted the apology Friday, calling Sabates' original comments, made during the NASCAR media tour in Charlotte, N.C., a rally cry from the speedway's loyal fan base who continually support the racetrack through tough economic times.

At a time when many businesses have slashed budgets and made cutbacks that affect consumers, Michigan International Speedway has lowered ticket prices on every grandstand seat and infield admission, and continues to invest millions of dollars into making the fan experience better. The track is widening seats across the center grandstand and Turn 3 grandstand, has widened every infield campsite and is building a $17 million suite and media center. These improvements for 2010 are on the heels of $55 million in investments over the past three years that addressed traffic, signage, camping, grandstand and other amenities needed at a world-class race track like MIS.

"I'm glad Felix finally came to an understanding that MIS has some of the most loyal fans in racing," Curtis said. "These fans choose to spend their hard earned dollars here because we are committed to them. I'm a race fan, too, and I came to Michigan because I feel that strongly about this racetrack, its employees and all the NASCAR fans who have supported us since 1968. The people of this state have earned their fun and Michigan International Speedway is committed to making sure they get it.

"We're proud to be a part of this great state. And the phone calls and comments of support we have received from race fans, Detroit residents, and business and political leaders from around the state, has reflected the pride and resiliency people have in Michigan."