BROOKLYN, MICH. – Michigan International Speedway announced today that the MISCamping.com infield for the June NASCAR race weekend has officially sold out for the fifth year in a row. General camping, grandstand tickets, and hospitality are still available for fans to experience NASCAR’s return to the Irish Hills in 2026.

“It’s truly remarkable to sell out our MISCamping.com infield for the fifth year in a row and to do so before the new year,” said Joe Fowler, Michigan International Speedway President. “Our fans made this possible as their desire to see NASCAR at MIS only continues to increase. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for an unforgettable weekend of racing, reunions, and adrenaline in the Irish Hills.”

Fans can still get in on all the race action with grandstand tickets, outside campsites across Michigan’s largest registered campground, and hospitality options for the weekend. Campsite areas still available include Brooklyn Trails located on Brooklyn Highway across from the track, Brookfest Acres located outside of turn 4, M50 Creekside located behind turn 3, Graves Family Campground located on US-12, High Banks located outside of turn 3, and Tree Farm which is just outside of turns 3 and 4.

WEST POINT, GEORGIA — A collaborative team of engineering, construction, and technology leaders is delivering one of the largest dual-purpose solar hail protection canopy projects in the United States, designed to protect vehicles at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, assembly plant — while also generating clean, renewable power.  

Initiated after a hailstorm in March 2023 that damaged more than 13,000 vehicles at the plant, and caused millions in damage, the creative and eco-friendly solution has been confirmed by Georgia Power to be the largest Behind-The-Meter system in the state of Georgia.

The project brings together Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS), SolMotiv, Ancora Systems, and ARaymond Energies, who have come together to address a critical need for vehicle protection following a severe hailstorm in 2023. The new carport system combines fixed-tilt solar arrays with a fabric canopy, covering more than 3.2 million square feet of parking area and generating approximately 10 megawatts of solar power when complete.

“This project is a true team effort,” said Keith Busam, Vice President of Business Development and Sustainability for VPS. “By integrating VPS’s proven hail protection systems with solar expertise from SolMotiv and Ancora, and fastening solutions from ARaymond, Kia is not only protecting its vehicles but also advancing its sustainability goals.”

As we prepare to celebrate International Women's Day on Saturday, March 8, we spoke with Brenda Lee, a Process Development Technician for global fastener supplier ARaymond at their North American headquarters in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Brenda, who grew up and lives in Flint, Michigan, shared insights into her role at ARaymond, her journey in the manufacturing industry, and her perspective on what the future can hold for women entering the manufacturing and STEM industries.

Q&A with Brenda Lee, Process Development Technician at ARaymond  

Q: What do you do at ARaymond? And what’s a typical day like in your job?

Brenda Lee: In my role as a Process Development Technician, I focus on optimizing and improving manufacturing processes. A typical day involves analyzing current production methods, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing solutions to ensure efficiency and quality. This includes collaborating with die setters who set up the tools, after which our team processes the jobs, making necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes.

Q: Can you tell us about your career path and how you arrived at your current position?

Brenda Lee: I joined ARaymond in 1998 after working at another automotive supplier, where I was involved in bumper assembly. When I first arrived, there were distinct roles for men and women, but I was determined to break those barriers. Despite being told I couldn't handle certain tasks, like lifting materials or die setting, I took the initiative to learn them and prove myself. Over time, I progressed from a production technician to materials handler, then to die setter, and now to Process Development Technician.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Brenda Lee: Originally, I studied criminal justice in college, aiming to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, a police officer, and my uncle, a paramedic and firefighter. However, after witnessing some of the harsher realities of that field and heeding my grandfather's concerns, I decided to pivot. A cousin introduced me to opportunities in manufacturing and I found a new path that has been both challenging and rewarding.

Q: How has being a woman in a traditionally male-centered field impacted your career?

Brenda Lee: Navigating a male-dominated industry has certainly shaped my career and personal growth. Facing skepticism and resistance, I became more determined and focused. There were instances where my capabilities were doubted, and I had to continually prove myself. This journey has made me stronger and more resilient, but it's also highlighted the need for equal recognition and opportunities for women in the field.

Now with all the changes in recent years, there’s much more diversity in this field, but it was a struggle along the way. There were people who felt I didn’t belong. But as a self-taught and determined learner, I’ve managed to continue my growth in the industry.  To me, it was the first time I was told “No, you can’t do that” that got me motivated. I was determined to make it work.”

Q: What advice would you give to young women considering careers in engineering or manufacturing?

Brenda Lee: It's essential to cultivate determination and resilience. Challenges and naysayers are inevitable, but using those obstacles as motivation can drive you forward.

Also, don't be discouraged by physical demands; there are always tools and methods that can make you work smarter and overcome those obstacles. Most importantly, believe in your capabilities and don't let others define your potential.

The biggest thing for me for women in the industry is a “mind over matter” mentality. You have to set your mind straight, and whatever is thrown at you, whatever people say, let it go, and use that as motivation to get to where you’re going.

Q: What are your career goals going forward?

Brenda Lee: I enjoy my current role as a Process Development Technician, but my next step to advance my career would be a supervisor role, and that’s an eventual goal. I’ve filled in for those roles in the past.

Q: How can the industry support and retain more women in STEM roles?

Brenda Lee: Encouragement and support from management are crucial. Providing women with the necessary tools, training, and opportunities to advance is essential. Early exposure to STEM programs can spark interest, but continuous support and mentorship are key to retention. Creating an environment where women's voices are heard and valued will foster innovation and diversity in the industry. I also encourage men in the workplace to speak up if women are being undervalued, as that can have a major impact.

I would also say to parents who have daughters to teach them at a young age that it’s OK for girls to be in sports and other activities that tend to be more male-dominated. Teach them to be a confident and strong-willed young woman, to be determined, not give up so quickly, and have an inner drive to get ahead.

Q: What efforts is ARaymond making to inspire and support women in STEM professions?

Brenda Lee: ARaymond has been moving in a positive direction with an approach that emphasizes fairness and diversity. There's a conscious effort to encourage women to pursue various roles within the company and to provide the support needed for their growth and development. There’s a recognition that women’s voices need to be heard, and their input taken seriously.

RTR Vehicles continues to push the boundaries of Mustang performance with its latest collaboration with Ford Motor Company: an EcoBoost performance Mustang aimed at enthusiasts that offers a fresh take on turbocharged muscle for a new generation. This marks only the second time in Ford’s history that a performance Mustang has been co-created with an outside partner.

“I'm pumped to have the opportunity to create what we believe is the most exciting turbocharged Mustang ever,” said RTR President and Founder Vaughn Gittin, Jr. "This Mustang RTR is pure accessible fun, with many enhancements, including Mustang Dark Horse components, Mustang EcoBoost’s near-perfect weight distribution, and RTR’s signature styling, it’s ready for drifting, drag racing, back-road cruising, or ripping around an autocross track. The new Mustang RTR is truly Ready to Rock.”

DETROIT — As the Detroit Auto Show kicked off this week, we also learned the identity of the 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards.

Taking home top honors were:
— North American Car of the Year: Honda Civic Hybrid
— North American Truck of the Year: Ford Ranger
— North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Volkswagen ID.Buzz

The honors were handed out after a year of evaluation by NACTOY jurors who judged vehicles in areas including automotive innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. After the “Best of 2025” semifinalists were announced in September at Michigan Central Station, the list was narrowed further to 9 finalists, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

“With such a tremendous crop of vehicles to review, our jurors worked overtime to decide the ‘best of the best,’” said NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert. “This year’s winners are on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, styling and value.”

Founded in 1994, the NACTOY awards are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from a wide variety of print, online, radio and television media outlets in the United States and Canada. The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists instead of by a single publication, website, radio or television station.

Juror comments on the Honda Civic Hybrid:
“The Honda Civic has won awards for half a century now, and the Civic Hybrid brings Honda’s superb and fuel-efficient hybrid system into one of the market’s best compact sedans. Fun, fuel-efficient, and more elegant than its predecessors, it’s a hands-down winner.” – John Voelcker, Contributing Editor: Car and Driver, Green Car Reports, Inside EVs

“The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is a much needed affordable high-mileage family car. In addition to sharp styling, a nicely crafted interior and a comfortable ride, the Civic Hybrid delivers exceptional fuel economy.” – Matt DeLorenzo, Editor-in-Chief, Tightwad Garage

Juror comments on the Ford Ranger:
“The Ford Ranger starts at $34,575 and the well-equipped SuperCrew 4×4 XLT has a base price of $39,646. It’s a midsize truck that looks like a full-size F-150, has combined fuel economy of 20 mpg and can tow 7,500 lbs. It has a solid and refined chassis, a nice interior and is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.” – Drew Winter, Contributing Editor, WardsAuto

“Ford’s expertise in building trucks is evident in the 2025 Ranger that offers plenty of utility plus an added dose of comfort and convenience.” – Jack Nerad, America on the Road Radio, Sports Byline Radio Network

Juror comments on the Volkswagen ID.Buzz:
“If you have to drive a minivan, why not drive the one everybody waves to and just wants to hug? Seriously, the ID. Buzz has a decent 230+-mile range, beaucoup space inside, lots of useful features and it’s fun to drive.” – Ken Gross, freelance

“No vehicle in the last ten years has captured the imagination, while also bringing the past into the future, better than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. It is an inspired Volkswagen design for the ages… again.” – John Davis, Host/Creator, MotorWeek