After making a joke about the state of Michigan’s economy and suggesting that it will never recover, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series partial team owner Felix Sabates has apologized to the track and its fans for his hurtful words.

"In an attempt at humor I made some comments about the city of Detroit and the people of Michigan that were in poor taste and that I sincerely apologize for," Sabates said. “I inadvertently joked about one of the areas hit the hardest. Those of us that have the luxury of getting to work in such a great sport like NASCAR owe a great deal to the city of Detroit and their support of the auto industry because without either, the sport of NASCAR would not be what it is today.”

After the original quote was made public earlier this week, fans erupted with statements of their own through calls and emails to the track, calls to radio stations and through the track’s Facebook page.

Michigan International Speedway’s President Roger Curtis has accepted Sabates’ apology and even invited him and his family to the track for a race.

"We're proud to be a part of this great state. And the phone calls and comments of support we have received from race fans, Detroit residents, and business and political leaders from around the state, has reflected the pride and resiliency people have in Michigan."

Located in the breathtaking Irish Hills of Michigan, 2-mile oval has over 130,000 seats and two dates on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

Fans can purchase tickets to any of the events at MIS by calling the track at 1-800-354-1010 or by visiting the track’s website at www.MISpeedway.com.

 MORE NASCAR NEWS