  Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1859 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 134.215.223.211 |
Looks like the reincarnation of a Belle Isle Grand Prix is getting close. Penske is looking at a September 2007 race at the city's gem. I also like the idea of taking profits from the race and putting it into the island and not just the track surface, etc. but the things that make it a great place the other 360 days of the year. These sorts of events make a lot of money, especially after it gets running and becomes an annual tradition. It could be good news for the island. With the premise of putting money back into the island the event will get a green flag a lot quicker: "If there's a profit to be made, that profit can go back into Belle Isle to enhance it." http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060821/S PORTS03/608210382 | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 10504 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.228 |
Man, this sounds like it may very well happen! Funny, because I was discussing it with a friend during the Gold cup this year, asking about the likelyhood of it, prior to any sort of rumblings in regards to it. Detroit can't get enough big events like this, whether it be sporting events, racing, or music festivals. It is the kind of stuff that keeps cities alive and thriving. I suppose my only complaint may be, is Labor Day weekend the best choice? On one hand, you'd probably draw in more people from around the country who are diehard race fans, given its an extended weekend. The downfall is that many families in this region may take a vacation or head up to a lake cottage. In addition, I'm sure Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends on the island in regards to BBQ-ing, so those people would lose out on that. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 1158 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
This sounds great... If only Penske would move his corporation into the city as well  | ||
The_rock Member Username: The_rock Post Number: 1372 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.42.251.225 |
Now if Mr. Penske could figure out a way to widen the track so that cars could actually PASS each other rather than proceed Indian-file lap after lap, we could have a really competitive race rather than just a nice day on the island. | ||
Swgz31 Member Username: Swgz31 Post Number: 6 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.43.3.234 |
Well you could add banking to the turns to make it more exciting (kidding). I remember going there and the races being incredibly boring. The idea of indy cars coming back to Belle Isle though is awesome, boring or not I'd still go just because I'm a huge fan of racing. Maybe I'm blind, but I didn't see which Indy Car series would be racing at Belle Isle if Penske got the date, IRL or Champ Car? (Or is it still CART? I havent seen much about this series lately other than Paul Tracy getting in fights.) (Message edited by swgz31 on August 21, 2006) | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1094 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.78 |
IRL. Penske doesn't own in Champ Car anymore... | ||
Canuckr Member Username: Canuckr Post Number: 44 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 209.69.34.80 |
Hopefully this works out and there will be racing next year. Are they going to pave the paddock area? I remeber walking around the paddocks after it rained, it was horrible. I can see why teams didnt like it. To bad its IRL and not Champ Car.. However, Iit will be interesting to see how Danica does; hopefully crashing out. :P | ||
Swgz31 Member Username: Swgz31 Post Number: 7 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.43.3.234 |
Thats good, IRL is definatley the premier open wheel series here, I'd love to see a merger between Champ Car and IRL, but who knows if that will ever happen although they have been talking recentley. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1096 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.78 |
There have been rumors of a merger ever since Tony George got pissed, took his ball and went home. IRL is fan-friendly racing. CART is more raw. I watch them both. But I wouldn't necessarily call either of them "premier." All open-wheel is a shell of its former self. | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 83 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27 |
Gene Simmons of KISS is part of the marketing team for IRL. That's kinda funny. | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 562 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.100 |
As long as money's going back into the Isle, I'm for it, but I do miss when they were driving downtown. | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 213 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 64.141.144.2 |
:QUOTE: "On one hand, you'd probably draw in more people from around the country who are diehard race fans, given its an extended weekend. The downfall is that many families in this region may take a vacation or head up to a lake cottage." interesting point, however, i'd disagree... if you could say to me "andy, we'll host an event in detroit... your choice: 20,000 metro detroits come, or 20,000 out of staters come, pick" i would pick the 20,000 out of staters... we need more national exposer and out of state money in this city... i like things that benefit people that live here, but we need more money coming from out-of-state IN! | ||
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal Post Number: 904 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 136.1.1.101 |
Agreed. Locals spending money is good, but it's reallocating local money, as zero sum gain. Out of towners spending money is even better, it's a postive on the Micro level. |
