SOUTHFIELD, Michigan – The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), is partnering with Dodge and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) for the second annual Track Driving School program, held at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, on July 20.  

Automotive journalists will begin with a classroom style lesson from the pros and then get hands-on driving experience on the track with the professional track driving instructors. The vehicle lineup includes the steel-intensive Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vehicles. Formed in 1991, MAMA has more than 240 members and brings together journalists and public relations professionals involved in the automotive industry.

“This is a great event for SMDI to partner with Dodge and the Midwest Automotive Media Association to really showcase the advantages of steel,” said Dr. Jody Hall, vice president, automotive market, SMDI. “Whether you’re taking hot laps around a race track or driving to and from work, a reliable vehicle is critical. Vehicles made with steel are lightweight, fuel efficient and durable, maintaining vehicle performance in all driving conditions.”

The MAMA Track Driving School began in 2015 as an opportunity for members to learn the nuances of driving on a race track with trained professionals. Of the numerous regional automotive press associations across the country, this type of event is unique to MAMA and developed in direct response to member requests and the need for high performance driver training to enable safe new vehicle evaluations.

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AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application ofnew steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 19 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. 

SMDI increases and defends the use of steel by developing innovative materials, applications and value-added solutions for customers in the automotive, construction and packaging markets. SMDI automotive investors include: AK Steel Corporation,ArcelorMittal and Nucor Corporation. For more information on SMDI, visit www.autosteel.org or follow @SMDISteel on Twitter.