Chevrolet will be the title sponsor of the Detroit event with Crain Communications a supporting sponsor of the race. The actual name of the IZOD IndyCar Series race will be the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix presented by shopautoweek.com.
Crain’s has a large Chicago presence in the automotive, media and business community.
The announcement came with statements from Roger Penske and GM President of North America, Mark Reuss. The media event coincided with an international journalist junket hosted by General Motors in celebration of the 100 Year Centennial of Chevrolet.
“Chevrolet has a long, storied history in Indy car racing,” said Reuss. He added, “This year we celebrated the shared centennial of Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500. We’re excited to see that history continue with the help of Penske Corporation and IndyCar bringing back open-wheel racing to Detroit in 2012. This city is a natural for racing — it put the world on wheels and the roar of engines is something that simply belongs here.”
Penske added, “Chevrolet has been instrumental in bringing motorsports back to Detroit. The Grand Prix will draw international attention and visitors to Belle Isle – which is one of the most-scenic race venues in the United States. We believe the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be one of the most-popular races in the IZOD IndyCar Series and will play a major role in continuing the renaissance of Detroit.”
As part of today’s announcement, Chevrolet unveiled its new IndyCar Series car. The announcement regarding the return of Chevrolet showed off a twin turbo V6-powered Dallara/Chevy. IndyCar drivers Helio Castroneves and Will Power were on hand to talk about the power of the 2012 Team Penske Chevrolet’s. Power recently tested the car on a road course at Mid-Ohio Raceway. He raved about it, especially the duel-turbine engine.
Improvements and the protection of infrastructure on Belle Isle was also talked about. As in past races spectators would have to be shuttled onto the island. The last race on Belle Isle was in the summer of 2008. ABC Television is expected to broadcast the event live.
Photo: Mark Reuss, President of General Motors North America announces the return of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle.
Photo courtesy of Rolco Sports Network