Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, June 5, 2016. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle)Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, June 5, 2016. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
Windsor

Detroit Grand Prix cancelled due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed a big event on the local sports calendar.

Organizers of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix announced Monday afternoon that this year's race on Belle Isle, scheduled for May 29 to 31, has been cancelled due to the evolving COVID-19 crisis.

Race organizers realized the late May date would not work due to current public health restrictions and government mandates. The Grand Prix had been in talks with the City of Detroit, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Belle Isle Conservancy, and the racing series to find an alternate date for 2020, but no suitable dates could be agreed upon.

"It is certainly disappointing that it won't take place this year, but the health and safety of everyone at the Grand Prix is always our top priority," said race chairman Bud Denker. "We looked at every possible scenario to reschedule the race, but all of them would have been too disruptive to the hundreds of fall events that will take place on Belle Isle. Some events, like weddings, family reunions and festivals, have been scheduled a year in advance, and it would not be right to alter anyone's plans."

The race, which has had the city of Windsor as a sponsor for several years, will return June 4 through 6, 2021.

Those who already bought tickets for this year's event will soon be contacted with options.

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