Parking at MIS

Question

Have hotel booked in Jackson for August NASCAR race. What is the best parking strategy, especially for the Sprint Cup race on Sunday, where we can get out relatively quickly? Is there somewhere midway between Jackson and Brooklyn to park and then grab a taxi or would it be just as quick to park in one of the lots?

We will be there for the weekend - two women - any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Short answer: buy a designated MIS parking pass in advance, park in a lot that routes outbound traffic toward US-12 / Route 12 (the Route 12 side exits toward Jackson/US-127), and be prepared for heavy post-race congestion — plan to either leave early (before the final laps) or wait 45–90 minutes for traffic to thin. Use the track’s color-coded parking map to pick a lot that sends you the quickest way back to Jackson.

Why that works: MIS now uses a color-coded parking/entry map that pairs grandstand sections with recommended gates/lots and directs outbound traffic onto specific roads. Lots that push outbound traffic onto US-12 / Route 12 let you get back toward Jackson (and north/south connectors) faster than lots routed toward smaller local roads. Fans who’ve posted trip reports commonly recommend parking on the Route 12 side for the fastest exit toward Ann Arbor/Jackson.

Detailed parking strategy and practical tips

Buy a parking pass ahead of time: Pre-purchased parking guarantees your spot and lets you choose a lot closest to the exit you want. Third-party sites sell parking, but the MIS site and the official parking map are authoritative. Gates typically open a couple hours before the race.
Choose lots that route to US-12 / Route 12 (Route 12 side): If your hotel is in Jackson, pick a lot that directs outbound traffic onto Route 12 / US-12 or M-50. Several fans explicitly recommend parking on Route 12 side lots (look for Lot 8/9/10 areas on the facility map) because they funnel you quickly back toward the main roads heading to Jackson. Check the facility/parking map to match your grandstand/gate with those lots.
Arrive early or leave early: Getting there early secures a closer lot (shorter walk) and more direct outbound lane assignment. Conversely, if you want to beat the exodus, consider leaving the track 20–45 minutes before the checkered flag — you’ll miss the heaviest of the traffic but also miss the end of the race. Fans frequently trade off “see the finish vs. leave quick.”
If you’d rather not drive onto the track property each day: Offsite parking midway between Jackson and Brooklyn with a taxi/ride service sounds appealing but is usually impractical for the race exit — local taxis and rideshare drivers are extremely busy post-race and pickups can be delayed a long time. There aren’t established park-and-ride shuttles from Jackson as a routine option (check current event pages; MIS usually lists any official shuttles if offered). For reliability, park on the MIS lots that head toward the highway you want.
Consider camping / RV / infield options if you want instant exit control: Trackside camping or infield parking gives you more exit flexibility (and lets you relax after the race instead of fighting traffic). MIS runs numerous campground/resort options; infield camping has its own entry/exit routes but requires separate passes.

Post-race exit tactics (what to do once the race ends)

Follow MIS traffic staff directions — they direct lanes to optimize outbound flow and often use one-way patterns on US-12 or M-50 to move large volumes).
If you’re parked on the Route 12 side, follow the signs to the Route 12 exit lanes and try to get into the lane that matches the direction toward Jackson early (don’t wait until you’re at the front to pick lanes).
Bring patience and supplies (water, snacks, phone charger). Expect 45–120 minutes to clear depending on crowd size and weather; Sprint Cup (Cup) Sundays are the busiest.
Consider waiting 30–60 minutes after the race to let the worst of the localized bottlenecks clear — if you’re not time-sensitive this can cut your drive time on the road even though it delays departure from your seats.

Safety and comfort tips for two women traveling alone

Park in well-lit areas, take a photo of your parking location (lot name/row/landmark), and keep valuables out of sight.
Share your expected return time with your hotel and have a charged phone and portable battery pack; cell service can be spotty right at exit choke points so download maps offline if needed.
If using rideshare/taxi after the race, arrange pickup in advance with a designated meeting point and expect delays; a pre-booked private car service is sometimes worth the extra cost for post-race pickup reliability.

What to check right now (before you go)

Open MIS’s current parking/traffic page and the downloadable facility/parking map to select the lot that best matches routes back to Jackson. The map tells you which gates/lots are recommended for specific grandstand sections.
Buy a parking pass for the lot that provides an outbound flow toward US-12 / Route 12. If you can, choose a lot labeled for Route 12/M-50 egress on the map (lots on that side are usually noted).
Check MIS event updates for any temporary traffic pattern changes or shuttle announcements on the Fan Guide page just before race weekend.

Final quick checklist

Pre-buy a parking pass and match it to the lot that exits toward US-12/Route 12 (best route back to Jackson).
Arrive early (or plan to leave before the final laps) depending on whether you prioritize seeing the finish or getting out quickly.
Bring phone charger, water, ear protection, and a printed/phone copy of the MIS parking map and your lot number.
If you want absolutely minimal post-race hassle and don’t mind the cost: consider camping trackside or arranging a private post-race transfer.