Manufacturer's Trophy to Make It's Debut at Michigan International Speedway

The 2013 Pure Michigan 400 will be the inaugural race of the MIS Manufacturer s Trophy. The award, inspired by the Stanley Cup, will recognize the winning manufacturer Ford, Toyota or Chevrolet after each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS. Each manufacturer and MIS will donate $10,000 that will be given to a youth-related, STEM-related charity in Michigan.

 The trophy, which will be more than three feet tall, weigh about 50 pounds and feature a sculpture similar to the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and an architectural ode to the Detroit skyline, is expected to renew a fun rivalry between the automakers. The original bronze artwork will sit atop a base similar to architecture of Detroit landmarks such as the Fisher Building and Guardian Building. 

The trophy was designed by Fortress Studios artists Steven Kuypers and Steven McShane, both graduates of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies.  Michigan track president Roger Curtis compared the trophy with the tradition-steeped Big Ten football rivalries that have produced such iconic prizes as the Old Oaken Bucket (Indiana vs. Purdue) and the Paul Bunyan Trophy (Michigan vs. Michigan State).

The track annually recognizes NASCAR’s manufacturers, asking fans in the grandstands to cheer on their favorite during a fun poll conducted over the PA during pre-race ceremonies.

The Manufacturer’s Trophy will be presented after every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan in June and August, starting with the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 18.