National Press Release

DETROIT, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) announced today a unique partnership for research, development and safety innovation that could serve as a catalyst for job creation and growth opportunities for the state.

MDOT and MIS have entered into a partnership to use and market the Brooklyn-based racetrack and its existing road course to agencies that manufacture and develop connected vehicle technologies. The partnership will give automakers and after-market providers the ability to test and develop connected vehicle systems in a closed, private and neutral environment.

Connected vehicle technologies allow cars to "talk" to one another to prevent collisions and improve mobility and fuel efficiency. In November 2008, MDOT announced plans to deploy these advanced transportation technologies along the Telegraph Road corridor in Oakland County. The agency must test the system on a closed track, and MIS was chosen.

"MDOT's partnership with MIS will position Michigan as a leader in the development of connected vehicle technology," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "This concept provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of transportation by improving safety and mobility on heavily traveled highways. What's more, this research will lead to countless other applications that can help all of us spend less time on the road and more time with our families."

The use of MIS as a private road test facility is one of the final pieces that puts Michigan at the forefront of this industry-defining technology. Already home to more than 80 percent of the automotive R&D in the United States, a united effort between MIS, MDOT, Connected Vehicle Proving Center (CVPC), Center for Automotive Research (CAR), and others are under way to make Michigan the center for connected vehicle technology, development and testing. A 2007 study by Michigan State University and CAR has shown any state that successfully pulls together a fully functioning "lab to assembly line" system with connected vehicle technology, will create between 16,000 and 41,000 high tech jobs and contribute between $177 and $448 million in state income tax revenues.

"Research and development is critical to the growth of this technology and its value in lowering the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities, as well as the potential impact on the automotive sector and job creation. It is imperative we structure an approach to this large-scale effort and further Michigan's leadership in this arena. The new partnership will assist with this development," said David Cole, chairman, Center for Automotive Research, the home of the Connected Vehicle Proving Center.

At MIS, automakers and after-market providers will be able to test and develop connected vehicle systems and other technologies in a protected, closed, safe and convenient environment. Combined with MDOT's Telegraph Road corridor project, Michigan can now offer a connected vehicle test and evaluation laboratory on both public and private roads.

MIS, which served as an AMC test track for several years starting in the mid-1970s, has two 1.9-mile road courses that would be used for testing. The two-mile oval, which is used by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the track's two race weekends, could also be used for testing.

In all, the racetrack is comprised of 1,400 acres, most of which the staff would consider for testing locations if a private company needed a specific terrain or environment. Testing will be available year-round with the exception of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in June and August.

Speedway President Roger Curtis is excited about the possibilities the partnership between MDOT and MIS has created.

The road course testing project will expand the MIS footprint beyond NASCAR racing and continue the racetrack's public-private partnership with the state. The racetrack, located in the Southeastern Michigan town of Brooklyn, is conveniently located near 80 percent of the world's automotive engineering and R&D companies and leading universities.

"Michigan is already the center of the automotive industry. This 'Internet on wheels' technology is going to come to fruition in our generation and MIS is extremely proud to play a small role in helping ensure that as it does Michigan will continue to be the global leader in cutting-edge automobile development," Curtis said. "This partnership puts Michigan in a unique leadership role that may create the next 'Silicon Valley' in our backyard and in doing so, retain and create thousands of high-tech, high-paying jobs."

About Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for a network of more than 9,000 miles of state trunkline. This network, comprised of every I, US and M-numbered highway in Michigan, carries more than one-half of all the traffic in Michigan. MDOT is also responsible for administrating a comprehensive multimodal program that includes airports, intercity passenger services, rail freight, local public transit services, non-motorized transportation and the state's Transportation Economic Development Fund. A safe, well-maintained, and efficient transportation system provides the backbone for all economic activity within the state. www.michigan.gov/mdot.

About Michigan International Speedway (MIS)

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. Tickets are on sale Feb. 15 by calling 800-354-1010 or logging onto MISpeedway.com. Michigan International Speedway - It's your speed!

About Center for Automotive Research

The Center for Automotive Research, a nonprofit organization, is focused on a wide variety of important trends and changes related to the automobile industry and society at the international, federal, state and local levels. CAR conducts industry research, develops new methodologies, forecasts industry trends, advises on public policy, and sponsors multi-stakeholder communication forums. www.cargroup.org. The Connected Vehicle Proving Center (CVPC) is a division of CAR. Initially funded by the MEDC, the CVPC is intended to serve as a center of excellence for connected vehicle expertise and a laboratory for developing, testing, and evaluating connected vehicle products and applications. www.cvpc.com.

SOURCE Michigan International Speedway