 Hardcore race fan Maurice "Moe" Clark always looks forward to attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Michigan International Speedway. He can be found in the infield, turn 2 to be exact, hanging out in or on what he refers to as "The Bucksnort Lodge," his unsightly 1983 yellow and black former school bus. "Yeah, it's ugly," Clark says of his home away from home at the track. "But we forget about how ugly it is because we have a really good time in it when we come to MIS. Coming to MIS is our vacation. We love it -we wouldn't miss it. It's our time away from it all." Clark and his wife bought the big yellow and black eyesore for $1000 eight years ago and have enjoyed "The Bucksnort Lodge" at every MIS race weekend for the past six years.
Lined up among the recreational vehicles waiting to enter the MIS infield in June, "The Bucksnort Lodge" caught the eye of MIS track President Roger Curtis. After taking a closer look, Curtis made an offer to the Clark's. "One of my favorite events of the weekend is camper lineup," Curtis said. "I try to meet as many fans as I can there, and this particular bus caught my eye. I couldn't believe how amazing the inside of the bus - it was like a condo! They had done so much work. But the outside ... Well, that was a different story. It was a sad sight; I knew we had to help." Curtis offered a makeover for the "The Bucksnort Lodge." "You hear about stuff like this all the time, but most people never come through," Clark said. "I was really surprised when Roger followed up; I thought he was kidding. But then I realized it was MIS. And the track has always done special things for the fans." MIS graphic designer Dustin Gilbert, who normally designs victory lane backdrops, is helping the Clark family with the design.
"It's definitely going to be a challenge. There are a lot of textures on the surface of the bus; lots of rivets," Gilbert said with a chuckle The Clark's wanted to make sure their favorite drivers are part of the design so Gilbert has printed decals of the numbers of Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart. With the work beginning in the next few days, Gilbert says the bus will be finished in time for "Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend" at MIS Aug. 14-16. Speedway staff plan to unveil the bus during camper lineup Thursday, August 13. Fans can visit MISpeedway.com for ticket information.  MORE NASCAR NEWS
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