The last few weekends have been busier than usual for Quicken Loans. First it was the Chevy Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans that took place at Belle Isle the first weekend of June. Last weekend, the Quicken Loans 400 returned to Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for the second straight year.

Both weekends provided memories for fans and Quicken Loans employees who attended the event. While the action on the track was exciting (Mike Conway and Simon Pagenaud were victorious at Belle Isle and Greg Biffle visited Victory Lane at MIS), some QL employees got to experience a couple once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

You may have heard of Scott Bierwirth, the director of mortgage banking at Quicken Loans who won a flag waving competition during the Quicken Loans Grand Prix Street Festival Powered by Chevrolet in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square. The win earned Bierwirth the right to wave the green flag to start Saturday’s portion of the Grand Prix.

Last Friday, a small group of Quicken Loans employees were also lucky enough to show off their flag-waving skills. I’ll get to that in a little bit, though. First, allow me to detail the behind-the-scenes day a group of QL employees got to experience Friday at MIS.

It all started Friday morning with a bus ride out to Brooklyn, MI. Upon arriving at MIS, we headed up to the suite for lunch and to watch one of the practice sessions. After lunch, we made our way down to the garage to get a first-hand glimpse of pit crews working on cars. There was even a meet-and-greet session with Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet. The South Bend, IN native was excited about racing close to his hometown at a track that has historically treated him well.

“I enjoy the area because it’s close to home and it’s great for our manufacturers and obviously it’s great for Quicken Loans,” Newman said. “It’s also nice because it’s one of the few places where the temperature is actually cooler than the week before. We chase the heat all year round but it’s actually not as warm here so that’s nice.”

After earning his second top-5 finish of the season the previous week at the Party at the Poconos 400, Newman thinks he’s got some positive momentum going as the the second half of the season nears.

“It definitely spins some positive momentum for all of Stewart-Haas Racing,” Newman said. “We have to keep going, though, because momentum can stop very quickly.”

Now, back to the part about waving the flag. I, along with four other team members were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to showcase our flag-waving skills during qualifying for the Quicken Loans 400. Talk about an experience. Everyone was nervous about dropping the flag onto the track. While waving a flag might not seem like a difficult task, it’s more than nerve-wracking when the driver is racing around the track at nearly 200 mph.

Luckily for the five of us, nobody dropped the flag. It was an experience that I think we can all say we’ll never forget.

So, to recap: spent all day Friday at MIS. Got to hang out in the garage and suite while also getting time to chat it up with Ryan Newman. To top it off, we got to wave the green and white flags at qualifying.

Not too shabby for a Friday, right?

Did anyone out there make it out to MIS for the Quicken Loans 400? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below!

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*Enter the HGTV Love It, List It, Watch It, Win It Sweepstakes at HGTV.com/loveit. 

It’s the third Monday of June, and HGTV and Quicken Loans have already given two lucky winners $50,000 to upgrade their homeowner status.

Don’t worry, two more opportunities remain to enter the HGTV Love It, List It, Watch It, Win It Sweepstakes presented by Quicken Loans. Your next chance is tonight!

Entering is easy – all you have to do is watch HGTV’s Love It or List It tonight at 8 p.m. ET for a special code word. The entry form will then be live for 24 hours at HGTV.com/loveit so you can enter for your chance to win!

Start dreaming about what you would do with $50,000…Add a new addition to the house? Buy all new furniture and build a bar in the basement? Extend that 1.5 car garage to 2.5?

One more chance is coming June 24, so be sure to mark your calendars.

So tune in Mondays at 8 p.m. ET for that special code word and visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for contest updates and winner announcements!

Good luck!

To enter, and for Official Rules, including how to learn the Code Word and the Entry Period date(s)/time(s), visit www.HGTV.com/loveit.

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With Father’s Day just around the corner, I know I’m not the only one that’s in search of a last-second gift for Dad. If you find yourself in the same boat as me, don’t worry. I’ve got the perfect gift idea for Dad!

If you haven’t heard, the Quicken Loans 400 just so happens to fall on Father’s Day for the second straight year. That’s right. Race fans from all over are set to fill Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for Sunday’s race. You and your pops can be there, too!

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the action. Last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended his 143-race winless streak by making his way to Victory Lane. Along with great action on the track, the family-friendly event has activities for people of all ages. With MIS President Roger Curtis in charge, one thing is for certain: you won’t leave disappointed.

The 2012 event featured a wedding at Victory Lane, concerts and Curtis interacting with fans while participating in a cornhole tournament dressed as Elvis. This year, Curtis decided to up the ante. New to 2013, fans can enjoy carnival rides and games at MIS. The carnival will feature carnival food such as funnel cake and popular rides like the Ferris Wheel.

The best part about it all? It all takes place on Father’s Day, which brings me back to my original point. If you still need a gift for Dad, get your tickets now!

If you’re unable to make it out to the track, be sure to tune in to TNT at 1 p.m. ET to catch all the action!

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*Enter HGTV’s Love It, List It, Watch It, Win It Sweepstakes at HGTV.com/loveit.

One week down and three to go in HGTV’s Love It, List It, Watch It, Win It Sweepstakes presented by Quicken Loans.

Every Monday night in June you can visit HGTV.com/loveit to enter to win $50,000 to pay off your mortgage, upgrade your home or even put a down payment on a new house!

Simply watch HGTV’s Love It or List It at 8 p.m. ET for a special code word. You’ll then have 24 hours to visit HGTV.com/loveit to enter the sweepstakes.

Be sure to mark your calendars, two more chances to enter remain on June 17 and 24. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for contest updates and winner announcements!

To enter, and for Official Rules, including how to learn the Code Word and the Entry Period date(s)/time(s), visit www.HGTV.com/loveit.

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Along with 95,000-100,000 spectators, I spent much of last weekend at Belle Isle enjoying the Chevy Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans. As much fun as my weekend was, Scott Bierwirth’s weekend was a little better.

In fact, the Director of Mortgage Banking at Quicken Loans had a weekend he’ll never forget. After winning a flag waving competition during the Quicken Loans Grand Prix Street Festival Powered by Chevrolet in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square, Bierwirth earned the right to wave the green flag to start Saturday’s event.

“It’s hard to describe in words what it feels like to have Indy cars passing right under your feet going well into the 100 mph range,” Bierwirth said.

Bierwirth defeated Shannon Boyer, Rosie Coloma and Tracey Howard in the competition.

Despite having a capacity crowd in attendance in addition with a national TV audience, Bierwirth wasn’t nervous about making any mistakes.

“I wasn’t nervous until the race actually started and the cars started flying by me, literally just feet underneath me on a platform I was leaning over,” he said.

While Bierwirth wasn’t nervous about waving the flag, other people were nervous for him.

“I think every single person I met that found out I was going to be starting the race wished me good luck and said ‘Don’t drop the flag’ so it was in the back of my mind,” Bierwirth said.

One person in particular had a special message for Bierwirth.

“The official Indy flag waver told me to hold on tight because it’s going to get really windy.”

The flag waving wasn’t the only highlight from Bierwirth’s day. He even had the opportunity to meet a celebrity or two, or 50.

“I knew I might get to meet a driver or two but I ended up getting to meet every single driver and the entire Red Wings team,” Bierwirth said. “Even Bret Michaels was only a few feet away from me at one point doing an interview for the race.”

The high expectations Bierwirth had going into the weekend were certainly surpassed with everything he got to experience.

“It was much better than I imagined,” Bierwirth said. “It was an amazing experience to have been able to meet each driver, shake their hand and wish them luck before the race and then have them all go blazing by minutes later as I started the race.”

Bierwirth grew up a short distance from Michigan International Speedway (MIS) and used to spend his summers working at MIS. None of his past experiences compare to what he experienced at Belle Isle.

“I knew it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity and it absolutely was and then some,” Bierwirth said.

Bierwirth was thankful for getting the opportunity to spend such a great weekend with his wife.

“Huge thanks to Jay Farner and Quicken Loans for giving me the chance to have such an amazing day with my wife at Belle Isle,” Bierwirth said. “It was an amazing experience from top to bottom and to have had the chance to see the race from the starter box, the pits and the chalet was awesome.”

With the Quicken Loans 400 returning to MIS for a second consecutive year (June 16, 1 p.m. ET on TNT), Bierwirth knows just the guy to get the race underway.

“If the company needs someone to start the race at MIS, please let all parties know that I know just the guy,” Bierwirth joked.

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Bud Denker sat on a scooter Sunday afternoon after the conclusion of the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans mingling with fans and thanking them for their attendance. The Belle Isle Grand Prix chairman did so with a smile on his face.

“You just can’t buy this kind of publicity,” Denker said. “You can’t buy this kind of showcasing for the city of Detroit. There were a lot of beautiful shots, overhead shots from the helicopters and you can’t put a price on it.”

An estimated 95,000 – 100,000 fans made their way out to Belle Isle over the weekend, an increase of approximately 10,000 from last year’s event. Fans were treated to a historic weekend, as the dual event featured two championship point races (one Saturday, one Sunday) instead of the customary one. The dual event was not only the first of three such events to take place during the 2013 season, it was also the first of its kind in IndyCar history.

“A lot of people saw our city today,” Denker said. “I’ve already received a lot of emails today asking ‘Is that Detroit?’ or ‘Is that Belle Isle?’” Denker said. “They want to come next year.”

Mike Conway (Saturday) and Simon Pagenaud (Sunday) visited the Winner Circle. Pagenaud’s win marked the first for the reigning IndyCar rookie of the year.

“The racing was great,” Denker said. “The action was incredible. It was the best we’ve had in 20 years.”

As Denker thanked individual fans for attending the event, he wasn’t the only one with a smile on his face.

“This is what it’s all about,” Denker said in between shaking hands with fans. “People smiling as they are leaving. It’s a great thing.”

“There’s such a positive nature surrounding the event, it’s what we were trying to do here as well as give back to Belle Isle. I’d say we accomplished that.”

The excitement surrounding the weekend’s events began building last Wednesday at the Quicken Loans Grand Prix Street Festival Powered by Chevrolet in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square. That same excitement lasted as the final cars passed the finish line Sunday afternoon.

“Nice weekend.”

“Great race.”

“Amazing job.”

Those are just a few of the compliments given to Denker from fans as they walked toward the exits. The appreciation shown by the fans was returned by Denker with handshakes, high-fives and a big smile.

Did you make it out to Belle Isle for any of the festivities? If so, how was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!

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*HGTV is aware of the technical issues you may be experiencing when entering the contest. The following message is from HGTV’s Facebook page: 

Tune in Monday night for your first chance to win $50,000 in HGTV’s Love It, List It, Watch It, Win It Sweepstakes presented by Quicken Loans.

Every Monday night in June, HGTV and Quicken Loans are getting together to give away $50,000, and all you have to do is watch a little TV (at 8 p.m. ET to be exact) and then visit HGTV.com/loveit to enter.

Simply watch HGTV’s Love It or List It at 8 p.m. ET for a special code word. You’ll then have 24 hours to visit HGTV.com/loveit to enter for your chance to win.

What could you do with $50,000? Pay off your mortgage? Add a patio? The fun starts tonight, Monday, June 3, with more chances on June 10, 17, and 24.

Be sure to tune in Mondays at 8 p.m. ET for that special code word and throw your hat in the ring! Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for contest updates and winner announcements!

To enter, and for Official Rules, including how to learn the Code Word and the Entry Period date(s)/time(s), visit www.HGTV.com/loveit.

The post Tune in Monday Night for HGTV’s Love It, List It, Watch It, Win It Sweepstakes appeared first on .

The Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans has come and gone. The memories created at the event, however, will last a lifetime.

“This is not only our first time visiting Belle Isle, it’s also the first time we’ve been to Detroit,” said Jennifer Martin, who along with husband Lee and son Jacob, were visiting friends. “I never knew Detroit had so much to offer.”

The Martin family was part of an estimated 95,000-100,000 fans who were treated to a special weekend of racing. As a dual event, two championship point races (one Saturday, one Sunday) were featured instead of the usual one. The dual event was not only the first of three such events to take place during the 2013 season, it was also the first in IndyCar history.

Mike Conway took home the checkered flag Saturday while Simon Pagenaud visited the Winner Circle Sunday.

“We’re going back home (Fairfield, Ill) after the weekend so we we’re looking for a fun way to end our trip,” Lee Martin said. “We heard about the Grand Prix and decided to give it a try – I think we’re glad we decided to come out here.”

Jacob Martin, 9, agreed.

“I’ve had a lot of food and watched the cars go by,” Jacob said. “I really like being out here but the cars are hurting my ears.”

The event at Belle Isle featured more than just action on the course for fans. There was face painting, go-karts, autograph sessions with drivers, concert performances by Bret Michaels and the Plain White T’s, and much more.

“We usually travel to three or four races a year,” said Steve Howay, whose family also went to last weekend’s Indianapolis 500. “It seems like every place presents different activities for the families to take part in.”

Steve’s youngest son, Ben, 10, took advantage of the face painting.

“I’d get in trouble if I did this anywhere else,” Ben said. “I’m going to keep this paint on as long as I can.”

Steve’s wife Jamie, who admits the travel does become a bit of a hassle at times, wouldn’t have it any other way.

“At the end of a trip, I think we’re all ready to just get back home,” Jamie said. “But at the same time, we always look back on these trips and talk about all the fun we had. We’ve turned it into a bit of a family tradition.”

This year marked the second straight year the family from Ohio has made it to Belle Isle. According to Steve, it won’t be the last.

“Belle Isle is such a great place,” Steve said. “Personally, I don’t think that enough people know about it. There’s great landscaping throughout and it’s really a great place to watch a race.”

While weather was predicted to put a damper on this weekend’s festivities, the rain stayed away, allowing spectators to enjoy all that Belle Isle had to offer.

“We weren’t necessarily race fans coming into this weekend,” Lee Martin said. “I know I still have a lot to learn but I really got into it this weekend. Jacob had a lot of questions earlier today, but as the day went on, I think he started getting the hang of it. He even asked me when we could come back.”

If the race is held on Belle Isle in 2014, Jennifer Martin said the family will certainly consider making a return trip.

“There’s a lot to do around here even outside of the racing activities,” she said. “We’ve all had a great time and would love to come back.”

We want to hear from YOU now. Does anyone out there have any stories about their weekend at Belle Isle? Let us know in the comments below!

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Who out there is ready for the weekend? While golfing and cooking out are usually staples for me during warm weather weekends, this one is going to be a little different. Instead of hitting the links for 18 holes followed with burgers and steaks, I’ll be at Belle Isle for the weekend, and I suggest you come out, too.

If you find yourself asking what’s going on at Belle Isle, let me explain. The Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans is this weekend! That’s right. If you want to catch some world-class racing action, come out to Belle Isle Saturday and Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET). If the chance of running into me doesn’t do it for you, how does watching Quicken Loans-sponsored drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and A.J. Allmendinger speed around the track in excess of 200 mph sound?

Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s talk more about the anticipation surrounding this weekend’s events. For starters, the excitement really started brewing in downtown Detroit Wednesday during the Quicken Loans Grand Prix Street Festival Powered by Chevrolet in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square. As part of the festivities, people got to take a ride in an IndyCar around the city. Castroneves and Power took part in a Q&A session in Campus Martius. There was even a pit stop demonstration that allowed fans to get an up-close look at a pit crew changing the tires in race speed.

It’s safe to say the event got people ready for the real action that’s going on at Belle Isle this weekend. While pre-race festivities are always fun for fans, the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans includes more than just pre-race fun and a single race. As a dual event, there will be two championship points races this weekend instead of the typical one. The dual event is not only the first of three such events scheduled to take place during the 2013 season, it’s also the first in IndyCar history! As you can see, this isn’t an ordinary race weekend.

If you’ve never experienced Belle Isle, this weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to visit. To give you a little background, Belle Isle is spread out over 982 acres. The Detroit Grand Prix called the 2.3-mile course home from 1992-2001 and again in 2007 and 2008. After a four year hiatus, IndyCar returned to the D last year. While last year’s event was marred with track problems, the track is ready for some high speed action this time around. Roger Penske and his team put up $2 million toward track improvements, with construction taking place during the fall.

Last year, more than 95,000 people attended the event and it’s again expected to bring in millions of dollars for the Metro Detroit region.  Don’t miss out on the action. Get your tickets here! We hope to see you all at Belle Isle for a fun weekend. If you can’t make it, be sure to tune into ABC for live coverage.

In last year’s event, Scott Dixon took home the checkered flag. Who do you think will win it this year? Let us know in the comments below!

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On May 28, inside the atrium of the Compuware building, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) unveiled the first phase of the placemaking vision for downtown’s central core, as well as exciting programs for Summer in the Park 2013.

The vision, introduced and powered by Rock Ventures, the DDP, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, (DEGC) and the City of Detroit, calls for “lighter, quicker, cheaper” ways to enliven Campus Martius, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park and Paradise Valley.

Senior Vice President of the DDP, Bob Gregory, along with Quicken Loans President, Jay Farner and Compuware CEO Bob Paul, highlighted the exciting programming available to all ages in these beloved public spaces.

Here are just a few of the exciting things you can expect to see and experience when you visit downtown Detroit this summer!

The Markets

Launching in June, Summer Time Food and The Market at Campus Martius Park will feature an area dedicated to dynamic retailers, artists, designers, crafters, vintage/antique dealers, craft-prepared food products, and distinctive apparel, home goods, and accessory brands during the popular entertainment series 4^th Fridays 11a.m. – 9 p.m. and the following Saturdays 11 a.m. -7 p.m.

The Beach at Campus Martius Park

Presented by Southwest Airlines, this new gathering place is located in the Park’s south end and features a large deck with a variety of seating options for people of all ages to eat, drink, build sand castles and listen to music.

Live Music Series

Speaking of music, Summer in the Park 2013, presented by Quicken Loans, kicks off Monday, June 10 with the Mid-Day Music Series which features live music from noon to 2 p.m., Monday-Friday, for 11 weeks through August 28.

Expanded programming in Campus Martius will include a Tuesday night classical series, a Saturday KidZ Show for children and a Monday/Friday Lunchtime Acoustics in Cadillac Square, as well as a casual after-work series at The Beach at Campus Martius Park.

Movie Night in the D

Back by popular demand is Movie Night in the D, presenting Academy Award-nominated and winning films under the stars in Campus Martius Park. Sponsored by Faygo, the films begin at dusk on Saturday nights from July 13-August 10.

Also returning this summer is Sunset in the City Music Thursdays, presented by GalaxE Solutions and Strategic Staffing Solutions, and the Healthy Moves series.

Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family, because this is a summer to make memories in the D!

A complete program listing is available at www.opportunitydetroitparks.com.

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