BROOKLYN, MI — With the sound of race cars slicing through the air in the background, a three-day corn hole tournament kicked off in the infield.
Michigan International Speedway Camping holds eight qualifying tournaments on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the top eight teams moving on to a $1,000 championship round Sunday.
“This is a great way to have some fun with friends and family, and of course the chance to make $1,000,” MIS Camping’s Brandon Combs said. “In the infield it’s all about the atmosphere and the experience.
“Unlike other sports where you just come to the game and then leave, NASCAR and MIS create a week-long event instead of just three hours of entertainment.”
Combs said Andy Winnie, MIS Camping owner, calls race weekend his working vacation as it’s a great time for everyone involved.
This is Comb’s first year with MIS Camping, but tournament organizer Relli Forella has been present for all seven.
Forella said tournaments draw 10 to 20 two-person teams per qualifying round, with the busiest rounds Friday and Saturday night.
“The winners get their name on our big trophy, so you really start to recognize people and develop friendships,” Forella said. “We just try and do our best to add to the great experience that comes with staying in the infield during the weekend.”
Josh Josefczyk and teammate Jason McCleary made the trip from Canton, Ohio, and stumbled upon a qualifying round.
This marks Josefczyk’s first time in the infield, and second trip to MIS.
“Jason and I always go to races together, and from now on we’ll never stay anywhere else but the infield,” Josefczyk said. “We have our motor home parked by turn No. 4 and it’s just a great time, and we’re going to have a great weekend.”
Josefczyk and McCleary won their qualifying match 21-5 to stay alive in the single-elimination tournament.