BROOKLYN, Mich. -- The greatest racing events in the state annually take place at Michigan International Speedway. These events don’t just include auto racing.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals will be held at MIS on Saturday, with hundreds of the state’s top high school boys and girls cross country runners hitting the track for the 14th straight year. With thousands of competitors, fans and their families converging on MIS, the MHSAA Cross Country Finals has grown into another major racing event for the Irish Hills track.

“We’re always excited to work with the Michigan High School Athletic Association to host the cross country finals every year,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “Even though MIS is known for NASCAR racing events, this cross country meet is very similar in that it brings racings best to the Irish Hills, but just in another form. It’s always a fun day for everyone involved and great for our local businesses.”

Although the competitors don’t race on the actual two-mile MIS oval, the 3.1-mile course (5K) begins in the infield, continues throughout the back woods, campgrounds and parking lots just east of the track and finishes in the tri-oval near the actual start/finish line used for NASCAR races.

“We always enjoy the relationship we have with MIS in making this event so successful,” MHSAA Assistant Director Mark Uyl said. “Over the past 14 years, this event has grown tremendously and we appreciate all the support from MIS and everyone else involved in making it happen. MIS serves as a great neutral site for this championship event that the runners and their families really enjoy coming to every year.”

Gates for the finals open at 7:30 a.m. with the first race beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $7 per person. A full schedule of events and other meet information can be found at MHSAA.com.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is 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.

The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Renewals are under way for 2009 ticket holders. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2010.

Michigan International Speedway - 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX Racing for Wildlife 200 – 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – Time TBA

Sunday, June 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 – 1 p.m. on TNT

Friday, Aug. 13 Gatorade Pole Day

Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 – Time TBA

Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 – 1 p.m. on ESPN