Suzette Burtoft of Medina, Ohio, has been named the June 2006 MIS Fan of the Month. Burtoft will receive an MIS hospitality package for two people to the MIS Sunday race of her choosing in 2006, in addition to an MIS hat, T-shirt and soft-sided cooler.

Burtoft is the eleventh MIS Fan of the Month eligible for the 2006 MIS Fan of the Year. She will be eligible to win a trip for two to Homestead, Florida to witness NASCAR's Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2006, along with the final race in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.

As if that wasn't enough, the MIS Fan of the Year prize also includes the use of the MIS showcar to display outside his/her home for a day (much like the Stanley Cup tour). The 2006 MIS Fan of the Year also receives two tickets to the MIS event of their choice for the next 10 years.

Please rate on a scale from 1 to 10 how big of an MIS fan you are? Why?
"On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say that I am a 10+ fan of MIS. The family atmosphere that the MIS promotes is superior to other sporting venues. We feel safe to have our daughter with us at the races, and we have noticed the large number of families that attend each year. MIS is always looking for new ways to reach out to NASCAR fans, whether they're young or old."

Why was your first race your most memorable?
"Our first race is memorable because when we arrived at the track and began the trek to the stands, we were overwhelmed by the size, the sounds, and the number of people that were all in one location. I have been to other professional sporting events, but nothing can compare to the overall experience of a NASCAR race. Once the cars fired their engines, we were hooked. The adrenaline rush that can be experienced while being a mere spectator is like none other."

Who is your favorite driver(s) and why?
"My favorite drivers are the experienced, older drivers. Their talents are noticeable not only in their driving skills, but also their appreciation of the fans as well. Personally, my favorite driver is Sterling Marlin. He is one of the most gracious drivers I have had the privilege of meeting at MIS. (My daughter is a Kasey Kahne fan -- no big surprise!)"

What is the greatest race weekend experience/moment for you at MIS?
"Our most memorable weekend experience at MIS was the first year we attended. Being the inexperienced MIS fans that we were, we left for the track at 8:00 a.m. and sat in traffic for over three hours. We had no idea what dedication NASCAR fans display when they plan and arrive at a race event hours in advance. We now know why people tailgate! There is so much to do at the race besides viewing. The front stretch renovations and the Walk of Champions only enhance the MIS experience."

You come to the races with your daughter, April. How is that experience?
"We took our daughter with us the first time we attended a NASCAR race and were a little apprehensive because of our previous professional sports experiences. That trip was so positive and she now attends regularly with us. I have even shuttled some of her friends up to MIS in August for the ARCA race and for qualifying. She and I have sat on the start/finish line, walked pit road, and created some great memories while at MIS."

Is it becoming a mother-daughter tradition for you?
"Racing is something that my daughter and I do both enjoy. It is the only sport where all of the professional teams play at the same time and you can cheer on your favorite team each and every week. My father was the first in our family to enjoy NASCAR and he created that interest in me, and now my daughter is continuing the family tradition."

Where do you stay on race weekends?
"When we attend an event at MIS we have stayed at local hotels, and more recently, we have begun to camp. We find that some of the campgrounds are not only closer, but make the trip more enjoyable. Although we do not stay right at the track, there are several family-friendly locations that are relatively close."

With the MIS race season just around the corner are you getting excited?
"I am a high school teacher, and to be honest, the June race at MIS is always my first taste of summer vacation. I eagerly anticipate it each year. It is always the first, and sometimes only, escape I get from Ohio. The excitement always builds just as we round the corner and can begin to see the MIS stands as we arrive at the track. To answer your question, winning the Fan of the Month only makes it that much sweeter! We can't wait to be at MIS!"

Since the start of the MIS Fan of the Month contest in December 2002, over 10,000 fans have registered for the contest at MIS' official website. To nominate yourself or someone else for the MIS Fan of the Month, log on to www.MISpeedway.com. Fans will also be asked to submit a photo of the nominee as well as your most memorable moment photo taken at MIS. Please send photos to misfanofthemonth@MISpeedway.com, or mail them to:

MIS Fan of the Month
12626 U.S. Highway 12
Brooklyn, MI 49230