Another blow to Motor City: Detroit's Belle Isle Grand Prix reportedly iced for 2010
Audi R10 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Roger Penske revived the Detroit Grand Prix in 2007, Michigan race fans turned out in droves and cheered the great job that was done on fixing up the Belle Isle facility. Over 100,000 people showed up for the Labor Day weekend races in both 2007 and 2008. Unfortunately, we all know what happened in the weeks and months following the 2008 event. As the toilet was again flushed on the Michigan economy, Detroit Grand Prix sponsors slashed spending and the prospect of past attendees being able to spend the money on tickets dwindled. As a result, the 2009 race was canceled.
Unfortunately, the prospects for Michigan still haven't recovered sufficiently, so race organizers have decided to wait yet another year before trying to revive the event. The current plan is for the racers to hit the island again in 2011. We'll see if the economy cooperates.
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[Source: Detroit Grand Prix]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
D Fisk 4:45PM (8/02/2009)
We need the race back in 2010. If they are not planning on bringing it back they should just but grass over the new paddock area and take down the pit wall. Because they will no longer be needed.
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D Fisk 4:55PM (8/02/2009)
I ment to needs to be back in 2011 not 2010. Its to late for 2010.
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elprogramer 10:17PM (8/02/2009)
Yeah, because the Tigers, Red Wings, PIstons, or hell even the Lions until last season haven't been routinely filling in the seats.
If there's one thing about this state, it's that we'll spend money on sports come hell or high water.
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CHINO 9:45AM (8/03/2009)
Too bad, Belle Isle is a great track and a great place to see a race. I haven't been since it was a CART race (pre Champ Car) so I haven't seen the improvements that have been made. I really wish there was a way to get F1 going in downtown Detroit again. We went up there every year for that when I was a little kid and the view from rooftops was amazing.
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DayShifter 10:32AM (8/03/2009)
I was going to ask does anyone remember when the Grand Prix actually raced through the downtown streets (Jefferson...etc) I've only seen like areal pictures, now that was cool!!!
Snix 9:45PM (8/03/2009)
Hey! Don't grass over the paddock! That's where we autocross!
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