BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Fans attending races this summer at Michigan International Speedway will find tighter security and no sales of alcoholic beverages.

The new measures kick in Friday, when qualifying begins for Sunday's Sirius Satellite Radio 400. The NASCAR Winston Cup race is expected to draw about 180,000 fans to the 2-mile oval.

"The guests are understanding of what we're doing, appreciative of what we're doing," said Tim Booth, guest services manager at MIS. "Most of the inquiries that come my way are, `Just tell me what I can expect.' "

The biggest change affecting fans is the elimination of hard-sided coolers.

Fans can bring their own food and beverages to the track. But they will have to pack those items in soft-sided coolers no larger than 6-by-6-by-12 inches or clear plastic bags measuring no more than 18-by-18-by-4 inches. The soft-sided coolers can contain ice but not the plastic bags.

Also prohibited from the track are backpacks and insulated cups. All items brought through the grandstand gates will be inspected, said Barry Gibson, director of operation at MIS.

Most of the security measures have been tested at other tracks owned by the speedway's parent company, International Speedway Corp., Gibson said.

The NASCAR circuit visits the track again for the Pepsi 400 on Aug. 18, and Michigan hosts its inaugural IRL race July 28.