Kid Rock named Pure Michigan 400 Grand Marshal

Known for his award-winning music and philanthropic efforts, Kid Rock will say the most famous words in racing, “Gentlemen, start your engines,” in his role as the grand marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 on August 19.

“Kid Rock is a tremendous ambassador for Michigan and a perfect fit to serve as Grand Marshal of the Pure Michigan 400,” said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  “He is a longtime supporter of Michigan – from featuring Pictured Rocks in his Born Free video to his work fundraising with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and all he has given back to our state through the Kid Rock Foundation.  We are thrilled to have him join the fans at MIS on August 19 for the Pure Michigan 400.”

Known around the world for his musical prowess, Kid Rock has sold more than 25 million records since his debut more than a decade ago.  The five-time Grammy nominee released his 8th studio album, “Born Free,” last November, featuring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, as well as Ortonville, Mich. in the music video for the title track off the album.

“We are honored to welcome Kid Rock to MIS to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Pure Michigan 400,” track President Roger Curtis said. “He has been a great ambassador for the state of Michigan and it is exciting to have him start the race at the fastest track in NASCAR. We are looking forward to an outstanding Pure Michigan 400.”

Kid Rock’s album “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus,” released in 2007, debuted at #1 and stayed in the charts for 100 weeks, becoming the biggest selling Rock album of 2008. His hit single “All Summer Long” hit #1 in eight countries.  He has performed at events ranging from the Grammy’s to the Country Music Awards to the Hip Hop Honors.

As an entrepreneur, Kid Rock opened the American BadAss Beer Company in Michigan in July 2009, and refueled and became the face of the Made in Detroit brand and clothing line.

Kid Rock brought his philanthropy efforts together when he established the Kid Rock Foundation to raise funds for and provides resources to other non-profit organizations across Michigan and around the country, especially those working to aid disadvantaged children, victims of war and natural disasters, and those suffering from illness.

In 2009, Kid Rock established the Made in Detroit Endowed Scholarship through Wayne State University to help offset tuition costs of students from throughout southeastern Michigan who are selected for their academic achievements and limited financial resources. He also works closely with The Rainbow Connection to help fulfill wishes of children in Michigan who have life-threatening illnesses, and the Detroit-based Karmanos Cancer Institute.

As one of the country’s most ardent supporters of the United States military, Kid Rock works closely with Operation Homefront, the USO and Operation Happy Note, among other organizations, whose missions are to assist armed forces members and their families. He also regularly visits service members and has performed for troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Spain and Kosovo.

Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan’s official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state’s tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to michigan.org.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership serving as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan’s economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.

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.

All race tickets are on sale at www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. You can also follow track president Roger Curtis on Twitter at @MISRoger.