Organizers of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix will thank race fans as it says farewell to Belle Isle.
The IndyCar Series race, which will run from June 3 to June 5, will use the circuit on Belle Isle for the last time this year before it returns to a track in downtown Detroit in 2023.
Michael Montri, President of the Grand Prix, wanted the Belle Isle era to go out with a roar by sending a big thank-you to the thousands of race fans and journalists coming in from all over the world.
"We want to celebrate the last Grand Prix on Belle Isle with a complete experience to say 'thank you' to our fans for all their support over the years," said Montri in a media release. "With some of the new activities and areas for fans to enjoy, we want to make this year’s Grand Prix the best one yet on Belle Isle. We know our fans will enjoy the great racing on the track, and we have something for guests of all ages to enjoy on Belle Isle to make this a special weekend to remember."
One new feature of this year's event is the Fountain Fan Area, which will be set up near Belle Isle's landmark Scott Fountain. It will host the Entertainment Stage, the Jack Daniels Party Porch, and various tailgating activities for fans of all ages. Live music from bands with strong Michigan followings will be presented each day, with The Verve Pipe on Friday, Jr Jr on Saturday, and The Docksiders on Sunday.
The Fountain Fan Area will also host an event on Sunday afternoon, during which the race drivers will be introduced to the crowd. The area will also host the before-and-after events, plus the Winner's Circle celebration.
Visitors entering the Grand Prix will stop at the Midway first, with the latest auto models and technology on display and vendors selling race merchandise. At the Meijer Fan Zone, beyond the Midway, Chevrolet will display its latest high-performance vehicles, and visitors will have a chance to test their baseball, football, and basketball abilities. Detroit sports legends are scheduled to hold autograph sessions in this area on Saturday and Sunday.
The Meijer Fan Zone will also feature a display celebrating the race's 30-year history on Belle Isle. Visitors will also have free access to the paddock area, so they can watch their favourite drivers prepare for their races.
A mobile unit for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is seen outside the Chimczuk Museum in Windsor, May 21, 2022. Photo by Mark Brown/WindsorNewsToday.ca.
The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear has used the Belle Isle circuit on and off since 1992 when it moved from its original track through the downtown streets. The race was put on hiatus in 2001 but revived in 2007 as part of the IndyCar series. When the race returns to downtown for 2023, it will use a condensed course with the GM Renaissance Center as the centrepiece.
The City of Windsor has been a corporate sponsor of the Detroit Grand Prix for several years. On race weekends, the roar of the racecar engines can easily be heard in areas of Windsor closest to Belle Isle.
Complete information about the Grand Prix, including events and tickets, can be found on its official website.