Carter Oosterhouse named grand marshal for Pure Michigan 400

Lucky fan will wave the green flag as honorary starter

BROOKLYN, Mich. - TV star Carter Oosterhouse has been named grand marshal for the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 18. And a lucky fan will have the chance to be the honorary starter and wave the green flag. 

Oosterhouse, from Traverse City, Mich., is an easily recognizable television personality who got his start as a carpenter during the fourth season of TLC’s “Trading Spaces.” In 2007, he joined HGTV, hosting his own show called “Carter Can,” which offered homeowners easy-to-follow insider tips. Carter’s second show, “Red Hot & Green” hit television sets, providing viewers with great tips on Earth-friendly ideas. 

Carter’s current hit, “Million Dollar Rooms,” gives viewers a glimpse into the rooms of some of the richest people on Earth. 

The 36-year-old is also a model, having appeared in numerous photo shoots and publications. He was named by “People” magazine as one of the sexiest men on television in its “Sexiest Man Alive” edition. The Michigan native has also modeled for Hewlett Packard, Miller Lite and Gillette. 

“Carter has made Michigan proud through his work with TLC’s ‘Trading Spaces’ and his subsequent work on HGTV. We are thrilled for him to be our guest at the Pure Michigan 400 and show him all the cool things about NASCAR,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. 

Fans of Pure Michigan also have the chance to join the action alongside Oosterhouse as the honorary starter at the race. As a part of a contest hosted on Pure Michigan’s Facebook page, fans are invited to share why they want to wave the green flag at the Pure Michigan 400 for a chance to serve as the honorary starter on race day. 

“This is such an exciting opportunity for one lucky fan,” Curtis said. “That fan will have the thrill of waving the green flag, signaling the start of another exciting MIS race. We want to thank our friends at Pure Michigan for giving a fan the chance to become an integral part of the NASCAR experience.” 

The contest runs July 25 through August 8 and entries may be submitted directly to the Pure Michigan Facebook page via the contest tab. 

Fans of the page will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry. The winner will be chosen from the 10 submissions with the most fan votes based on which submission best displays a passion for racing and all things Pure Michigan. Individuals must be fans of Pure Michigan on Facebook to view the entries and vote. The winner will be notified and announced by August 13. They will receive four tickets to the race in addition to serving as the honorary starter. All other expenses including travel to the Michigan International Speedway will be at the winners own expense. 

“The Pure Michigan 400 is a terrific opportunity to showcase all Michigan has to offer – from car culture to top destinations like Michigan International Speedway,” said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Carter Oosterhouse is a great ambassador for Michigan making him a terrific choice for Grand Marshal. We are also excited to be able to offer one of our fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the Pure Michigan 400 honorary starter.” 

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. 

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s fastest track and the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike. 

Tickets are on sale at http://www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010. 

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes. 

Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply. 

2013 Michigan International Speedway Schedule 

Friday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying 
Saturday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200 
Sunday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.