BROOKLYN, Mich., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Michigan International Speedway said it joined a utility program in the state that matches 100 percent of its electricity use with renewable energy.
Michigan International Speedway hosted the Pure Michigan 400 race Sunday. Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis said that, with a major viewing audience, race organizers have an obligation to environmental stewardship.
"We're totally committed to a greener Michigan, and with the help of [state utility company] Consumers Energy we know that we can show the way for our state and for racetracks across the country," he said in a statement Sunday.
Race organizers said they were working to improve the environmental footprint at the Michigan track by enrolling in a green generation program in the state that matches 100 percent of its electricity use with renewable energy.
Consumers Energy and MIS added they committed to planting more trees and expanding the use of low-carbon energy at track facilities.
No. 24 Jeff Gordon won the weekend race. Veteran Jeff Burton raced in place of Tony Stewart, who's opted not to race in the wake of the Aug. 9 tragedy that left 20-year-old sprint car drive Kevin Ward, Jr., dead.
