BROOKLYN, Mich. (September 8, 2016) – International Speedway Corporation today announced that it has named Rick Brenner as President of Michigan International Speedway effectiveMonday, September 19 . Brenner accepts the role, making a move from Minor League Baseball (MiLB) to motorsports.
“We are proud to announce Rick Brenner as President of Michigan International Speedway,” stated ISC Chief Operating Officer Joie Chitwood. “He is a seasoned sports executive who is well positioned to lead Michigan International Speedway into the future. We welcome him to the ISC family and look forward to the great things he will accomplish within our company.”
Brenner most recently served as President of DSF Sports and Entertainment for over 10 years, the company that owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. In that role, Brenner managed all facets of the multi-unit business as well as leading the design and construction of the Bowling Green Ballpark.
“I am excited to join the ISC team and become a part of the MIS family,” Brenner said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the history at MIS and working with everyone there to build upon their past successes.”
The 2016 season was Brenner’s 23rd in Minor League Baseball. He guided the Fisher Cats with a steady hand since joining the club for the 2006 season.
Brenner looks to continue the unmatched guest service experience that Michigan International Speedway so fan friendly. As a graduate of The Disney Institute he has a vast knowledge of customer and employee loyalty as he looks to only enhance the experience at the track.
As an executive in Minor League Baseball, Brenner has led his respective organizations to many prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2010, the Fisher Cats were awarded the Larry MacPhail Award, which recognizes the nation’s best in promotional effort. The team also took home Baseball America’s 2009 Double-A Bob Freitas Award, given to teams who have demonstrated long-term success and community involvement in their respective level.
The Fisher Cats were also perennial award winners locally, taking home “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients To” in the New Hampshire Business Review’s Best of Business Awards for nine consecutive seasons. The team has been repeat winners for the last five years as “Best NH Sports Team” and “Favorite Sporting Event for Families” in NH Magazine and Parenting NH Magazine, respectively.
Prior to DSF, Brenner spent six of his 11 years with the Trenton Thunder as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Brenner led the Trenton Thunder to a pair of notable honors. In 2005, the team was awarded the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, which recognizes one team in all of MiLB for their franchise stability, success, and community involvement. The Thunder also won the Larry MacPhail Award in 2003.
Brenner’s personal efforts have also been recognized by the game. In 2009, he was named the Baseball Executive of the Year by Ballpark Digest. He has been twice named Eastern League Executive of the Year, including 2008 with the Fisher Cats.
Under Brenner’s direction the Fisher Cats have developed a strong philanthropic reputation in the community. The Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have provided nearly four-million dollars in monetary and in-kind donations for thousands of local non-profit groups, headlined by the annual Granite State Baseball Dinner, which has donated more than $1.4 million to charity since 2007.
Brenner is an active member in the community and Minor League Baseball. He served on the board of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Granite State Children’s Alliance. He is also on the board of the Double-A Eastern League. He cannot wait to get involved in the local community after joining Michigan International Speedway.
Brenner earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.
The 48-year old is an avid cyclist where he was a participant in the Pan Mass Challenge. He also enjoys coaching his children’s ice hockey teams and watching baseball. Brenner and his wife like to explore the outdoors.
Brenner, his wife Jenn and their three children, ages 13, five and three, will move to the area.
2017 Michigan International Speedway Schedule:
Friday, June 16 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Corrigan Oil 200 and Sprint Cup Qualifying
Saturday, June 17 NASCAR XFINITY Series Menards 250 presented by Valvoline
Sunday, June 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400
July 21 – 23 Faster Horses Festival
Friday, Aug. 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200
Sunday, Aug. 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brad Kuhbander, Manager of Media Relations, 517-592-1204, bkuhbander@mispeedway.com
