Presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation
BROOKLYN, Mich. (May 22, 2014) — As our nation approaches Memorial Day weekend we would like to honor our veterans by announcing that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) will be named the Careers for Veterans 200. The race, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16 will be presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation.
MIS, The Cooper Standard Foundation and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation are joining forces to showcase the importance of hiring military veterans, who have sacrificed for our country and need assistance entering the civilian workforce.
“We are pleased to name the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race the Careers for Veterans 200 presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “The event provides an opportunity to spread the message and communicate with a large audience the benefits of hiring veterans. We look forward to continuing our long-term support of the military.
“It also means a great deal to us to partner with yet another great Michigan entity, joining Quicken Loans and Pure Michigan,” Curtis continued. “We think it speaks volumes about the power of the platform MIS and what our events offer these Michigan companies, and how we can work together to help all of us meet our respective and diverse objectives.”
In addition, The Cooper Standard Foundation will support non-profit organizations that provide vocational education and transition job training for veterans to help ensure success in the workforce.
“We look at the Careers for Veterans 200 as a means for Cooper Standard to let veterans know we are actively hiring and looking to recruit top talent to our business,” Cooper Standard’s Chairman and CEO Jeff Edwards said. “In many cases, military veterans possess unique skill sets acquired through their service to our country. Cooper Standard is one company where veterans can put those skills to work. We hope that the visibility of this program will encourage other companies to engage in similar initiatives.”
Cooper Standard has been a proud partner with Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series since 2011. Cooper Standard’s relationship with Keselowski was originally based on his Michigan roots and the shared interests in assisting military veterans. Keselowski’s race career has flourished, and the Michigan native continues to support this important cause.
“It is a great honor to work with The Cooper Standard Foundation and Michigan International Speedway to bring attention to hiring and training veterans,” Keselowski said. “We look forward to utilizing this national platform to raise the awareness of providing opportunities to veterans. And I could not be happier that the Checkered Flag Foundation will be part of it.”
As the title sponsor, the race at Michigan International Speedway allows Cooper Standard the opportunity to promote its Careers for Veterans Program through television, radio and print mediums on a state and nationwide basis. It also gives the organization access to a tremendous social media network already built by MIS and NASCAR.
MIS continues its long-time support of military initiatives through various ticket programs and support throughout the year.
Cooper Standard, headquartered in Novi, Mich., is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include sealing and trim, fuel and brake delivery, fluid transfer, anti-vibration and thermal and emissions systems. Cooper Standard employs more than 25,000 people globally and operates in 19 countries around the world. The Cooper Standard Foundation was established in June 2013 to strengthen the communities in which Cooper Standard employees work and live through the support of children’s charities, education, health and wellness and community revitalization. For more information, please visit www.cooperstandard.com.
Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation was incorporated in late July of 2010 and received its 501 (c)(3) status a few short months later. The foundation strives to support those individuals who have sacrificed greatly including military members, veterans, first responders, and their families, among others. Since its inception, the Checkered Flag Foundation has hosted or participated in events with the Wounded Warrior Project, Armed Forces Foundation, The Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Detroit F.I.R.E. benefit team.
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 at http://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. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.
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2014 Michigan International Speedway Schedule
Friday, June 13 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and Bandit Chippers Pole Day
Saturday, June 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series
Sunday, June 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400
July 18-20 Faster Horses Festival
Friday, Aug. 15 Bandit Chippers Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200 presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation
Sunday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400