Spirit of America Blood Drive

September 11, 2011

Each year on September 11, Michigan International Speedway hosts the Spirit of America blood drive with all donations benefiting the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross.

The Spirit of America had a banner year in 2010. Not only did the event collect the most blood units in its storied history (1,330), but it also received national recognition as well.

For his efforts in creating the Spirit of America, MIS Director of Guest Services and blood drive founder Tim Booth was awarded the Home Depot NMPA Humanitarian Award in 2009. Booth was selected as the winner of the Humanitarian Award ahead of NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle, who were also finalists. For receiving the prestigious honor, Booth received $100,00 that was donated on his behalf to the Spirit of America Blood Drive, thus ensuring the financial stability of the event for many years to come.

Since its inception in 2002, the drive has proven to be one of the largest of its kind on 9-11. The race-themed blood drive has grown in each of its eight years and has more than tripled its units collected since 2002. The blood drive tallied 1,330 units in 2010, thus making it the most successful event to date.

Due to its overwhelming success, the Spirit of America blood drive caught the attention of the NASCAR Foundation in 2007, which has since created the NASCAR Foundation Blood & Marrow Drive, which took place at nearly 30 different race tracks around the country in 2009.

One of the highlights of the drive is “Home of the Brave" exhibit, located in the Michigan Room of the Pit Road Suites offers remembrance, education and inspiration of that tragic day in our nations history.

Anyone wishing to donate blood and be a part of the largest blood drive in the Great Lakes region, can visit www.SpiritofAmericaBloodDrive.com or call 1-800-YOU-GAVE to sign-up.

Spirit of America Blood Drive Totals
Year             Units Collected             Potential Lives Saved
2002                    375                                     1,125
2003                    433                                     1,299
2004                    535                                     1,605
2005                    646                                     1,938
2006                    789                                     2,367
2007                    962                                     2,886
2008                   1,179                                   3,537
2009                   1,297                                   3,891
2010                   1,330                                   3,990
Total                  7,546                                 22,638

* Each blood unit has the potential to be transfused to up to 3 people