By George B. Eichorn
The 31 st running of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear Corporation is back on Belle Isle.
After a one year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the IndyCar drivers and teams are soon taking up
residence on the city’s jewel island. June 12-14 are race dates with a national television audience (NBC
Sports) and thousands of local race fans prepared to see the exciting action.
Although Detroit was skipped on last season’s abbreviated IndyCar schedule, it was for good reason as
our state experienced large outbreaks of pandemic cases and many deaths. The city had its hands full
trying to contain the disease without having to stage a series of races last June in front of empty
grandstands. That was then and this is now!
Local icon Roger Penske, who now owns Indianapolis Motor Speedway, brings his team to Belle Isle in
hopes of getting a victory or two. The Indy 500 winner was a surprise as former Penske driver Helio
Castroneves took the checkered flag and his fourth career “500” win. Detroit typically is next on the racing
calendar but not this year as the teams headed instead to Toronto, Canada June 4-6 before coming to
the Motor City.
Team Penske currently fields four cars: the No. 2 Hitachi Dallara/Chevrolet for Josef Newgarden, the No.
3 PPG Dallara/Chevrolet driven by Scott McLaughlin, the No. 12 Verizon Dallara/Chevrolet driven by Will
Power, and the No. 22 Menards Dallara/Chevrolet driven by Simon Pagenaud. None of the four has a win
at presstime.
Twentysomethings Alex Palou, Colton Herta, Pata O’Ward and Rinus VeeKay have claimed 2021 series
victories along with veterans Scott Dixon and Castroneves. Team Penske has been shut out.
Racing will also include the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires and the IMSA WeatherTech Sports
Car Championship. Comerica Bank Free Prix Day is Friday, June 11. Full racing runs from around 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. Additional fans will be in the DGP grandstands as a result
of restrictions in Michigan being lifted at outdoor venues on June 1. Attendees will also be able to access
the Fifth Third Bank Paddock free of charge. All ticketholders at this year’s Grand Prix will once again be
welcome in the paddock, where race teams and drivers prepare the cars that compete on the Raceway at
Belle Isle Park circuit.
“We look forward to bringing world-class racing back to the Motor City next month,” said Bud Denker,
Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We are excited to welcome race fans to
Belle Isle Park for three days of excitement in a safe and healthy manner. We will showcase the Park, our
City and it’s beautiful waterfront to the nation and the world as NBC will provide over six hours of network
TV coverage. And, once again, the biggest benefactor will be Belle Isle.”
With parking very limited on the island, it’s best to take the shuttles from TCF Center or the Renaissance
Center if you plan to attend. Reserved seating is $90 and general admission $45. Call 866-464-PRIX or
visit www.detroitgp.com.
Reach George Eichorn at [email protected].
