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IRL: Detroit Belle Isle GP post-event notes

EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED FOR RETURN OF AUTO RACING TO THE MOTOR CITY AT THE DETROIT BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX DETROIT, MI (September 6, 2007) -- The numbers can't quantify the smiles on the faces of the fans, the competitors, the sponsors and the ...

Edited: Mar 27, 2008, 5:47 AM

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EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED FOR RETURN OF AUTO RACING TO THE MOTOR CITY AT THE DETROIT BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX

DETROIT, MI (September 6, 2007) -- The numbers can't quantify the smiles on the faces of the fans, the competitors, the sponsors and the organizers of the 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, but the final tally was impressive for the return of world-class auto racing to the Motor City.

Following the completion of three days of racing, fun and excitement at The Raceway at Belle Isle Park street circuit, August 31-September 2, 2007, the final figures reveal a very successful holiday weekend celebration.

In the first Grand Prix event held in Detroit in over six years, more than 100,000 people attended the event over the course of the weekend and more than 60 sponsors stepped up to support the return of racing to the beautiful Belle Isle course.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the reactions and the feedback we've received from the fans that attended the Grand Prix as well as the event sponsors and the competitors themselves," said Bud Denker, Event Chairman of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. "The event was a huge success thanks to the hard work of so many people, including the more than 1,000 volunteers that dedicated their time over the weekend. We're happy to report that we've already heard from more than a dozen sponsors about returning and even expanding their roles for next year. This was a tremendous event for the City of Detroit and our region and everyone's already excited about the 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix! Our sincere thanks to the City of Detroit, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Detroit City Council and the Detroit Recreation Department, including Loren Jackson and Alicia Minter. Without all of their help we would not have been able to produce such a fantastic weekend on Belle Isle."

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix featured three full days of activity on the island located on the Detroit River. Friday offered all fans the opportunity to see the racing action free of charge at Free Prix Day presented by Comerica Bank as the exotic sports cars of the American Le Mans Series and the sleek open-wheel machines of the IndyCar Series hit the 2.1-mile track. IndyCar qualifying took place on Saturday along with the first race of the weekend -- the Detroit Sports Car Challenge presented by Bosch, featuring the cars of the American Le Mans Series. The Penske Motorsports tandem of Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard claimed the overall victory on Saturday evening. The weekend came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday with the penultimate round of the IndyCar Series at the Detroit Indy Grand Prix presented by Firestone, with Tony Kanaan capturing the checkered flag for Andretti Green Racing. Concerts, games and family-friendly entertainment were also featured all weekend long on Belle Isle in the Meijer Family Fun Zone. Event organizers are planning even more activities as they begin to gear up for the 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

About the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is organized and promoted by a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, whose chairman is Roger Penske. A special charitable organization has been established that enables the net proceeds raised by the Grand Prix to fund measures for the improvement and preservation of Belle Isle.

The 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix was a signature event in what was considered one of the most exciting weekends in Detroit history. "3 Days in the D" took place Labor Day weekend and consisted of the Grand Prix, the Detroit International Jazz Festival and Oakland County's Arts, Beats & Eats celebration. For more information, please log on to www.visitdetroit.com. Next year, the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will once again be held Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, 2008. To learn more about the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, please visit www.detroitgp.com.

-credit: dbigp

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