LANSING — Excitement for this year’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway is revving up and with less than a month to go until race day, Pure Michigan announced today that one lucky fan will have the chance to serve as honorary starter.

For the third year in a row, Pure Michigan is turning to fans to help decide who will wave the green flag on Aug. 16. The Pure Michigan 400 Honorary Starter contest launches today and will run through midnight on Thursday, Aug. 6. To enter, fans simply have to share, in 50 words or less, why they want to serve as honorary starter and signal the start of the race at MIS.

Entries may be submitted directly to the Pure Michigan Facebook page via the contest tab. Fans will also have the chance to vote on which entry they think best embodies the honorary starter role. The winner will be chosen from the 10 submissions with the most fan votes based on which submission displays a passion for racing and all things Pure Michigan.

“The enthusiasm and pride of Pure Michigan and NASCAR fans can’t be beat and we are excited to be able to share this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with someone who embodies a love of racing and the spirit of Michigan,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are proud to showcase Michigan’s deep car culture again this year at the fastest track in NASCAR.”

In addition to serving as the honorary starter, the prize package includes four tickets to the Pure Michigan 400 and a number of VIP experiences on race day. All other expenses including travel to Michigan International Speedway will be at the winners own expense.

“We are excited to work with Pure Michigan to give a fan the opportunity to serve as honorary starter and wave the green flag,” said MIS President Roger Curtis.

“We continually strive to offer memorable experiences for our guests and it will be fun to present this one to a lucky fan. I can tell you, there’s no greater thrill than waving the green flag and feeling the rush of 43 cars. This will be a fun contest to let fans show their love of Pure Michigan and racing.”

Fans voting for their favorite submission will also have an opportunity to sign up for the Pure Michigan eNewsletter, which includes ideas to help plan Michigan getaways, including festival and event highlights, special promotions from featured destinations, deals, packages and shopping trips and a run-down on seasonal outdoor activities.

Receive live coverage of this year’s Pure Michigan 400 by following #PureMichigan or #PureMichigan400 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Connect with Pure Michigan on Snapchat at ‘Pure-Michigan’ for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience during race day.