Welcome to the 41^st  annual International 500 Snowmobile Race no matter if you are a new media representative, or a returning media representative. We have a new setup for media to make it easier for media to cover the race, but in the same time for it to happen in a safe manner.  Included in this package is your media passes for the different areas of the track, the rules and regulations regarding the media, Plus some additional facts and resources for you to use.  

This year we have continued using the ICS (Incident Command System) into media, for the track. This is the same system used nation wide for large events such as the winter games in Salt Lake City; this is also the same system that is used by all Police, Fire, Medical services, and Government Services Nation wide.

In addition to the ICS system being added to the track, we have also divided the track into 3 sections for media passes. These sections are the Spectator area, this one is kind of self explanatory this is where all of the spectators are, The Media Operations Center this a large room located in the press center, this room is for working media only and you may be directed to this area at any time for a briefing. Also you may sit and watch the race from this location.  

Finally there is the Pit area, This is a restricted area that we will allow only working press, This area is full of activity and there is a mix of yellow areas, This is a area that you can roam and conduct media activities freely and then there is blue areas where you will need to be escorted by a PIO (Public Information Officer) or a Race Official while inside these areas. 

One this I cannot stress enough is following of rules and directives, these are in place for your safety and the safety of others and in the event that any media representative violates any rule or directive their respective pass will be revoked.

Upon checking in at the media building once any media personnel has arrived,
Media registration will be at the front counter within the media building and media personnel should speak with Wes or Ric while registering. Should it be that neither are at the registration counter during media registration, race staff at the counter can advise you of their location, return time or possible means for contact upon request.

A media package will be issued upon media personnel registration. Please pay close attention to the guidelines and areas of entry.

Visiting media personnel will be issued a "media vest" for enhanced recognition and SAFETY while on race facility grounds. These media vests are designed to be worn over winter garments, size accommodations will be met upon issuance of the vest. Press & Media will be required to have a credit card on file or we will hold a check for the cost of the vest and at the time of return of the vest we will return your check. No Cash Deposits will be permitted.

Wes will confirm media personnel participation via registration and will direct interviews and information segments to Ric Federau, Ric Federau is the "Official Spokesperson" of the International 500 & both Wes & Ric are current members of the Board of Directors. Media personnel can enquire about interview and segment information during media registration. Any pre planned interviews desired can be scheduled by contacting Ric Federau at the following locations:
Phone: 989-808-5266 or E-mail: safetytecric@yahoo.com

All media personnel can review the media package with regards to what areas are available to media access for filming and to become informed as to where media personnel are allowed to be or not to be when entering the infield area and other locations on the grounds during time trials through the week and on race day.
Please contact Wes Jourden or Ric Federau upon arriving to confirm this information.

The I-500 staff is NOT responsible for any injury to media personnel or equipment damage during the I-500 event or anytime media personnel is on race facility grounds. All media personnel assume total responsibility for their equipment and individual participation.

All media participants and those wishing to be better informed as to the event schedule should visit the Schedule of events link on this site.

As always if you have any questions please feel free to ask myself or any Public Information Officer. 

Thank You

Wesley Jourden

I-500 Media Relations Director