DETROIT, Mich. (June 4, 2022) – Following a dominant rookie season with the Detroit Lions that resulted in being named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, offensive tackle Penei Sewell will enjoy another honor on Sunday as he will serve as Grand Marshal for the final Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Belle Isle.
Sewell will have the opportunity to meet some of the drivers and teams competing in this weekend’s Grand Prix before he delivers the command of “Drivers, To Your Cars,” before the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix on Sunday, June 5 beginning at 3:00 pm and broadcast live on USA. Sewell will also meet and greet each one of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers as they are introduced to the crowd at historic Scott Fountain during the pre-race ceremonies. The final day of Grand Prix action on Belle Isle will include races from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires and Masters Endurance Legends USA on Sunday, June 5.
“I’m honored to be named the Grand Marshal of the Detroit Grand Prix on the final day of racing on Belle Isle,” said Sewell. “I definitely saw the passion and excitement from the sports fans in Detroit during my rookie season and it’s going to fun to feel that energy and be part of the last race on Belle Isle.”
Sewell was one of the best linemen in the country during his college career at the University of Oregon. As a freshman in 2018, the 6’5”, 330 lbs. native of American Samoa became the first Oregon true freshman offensive lineman to start the first game of a season since 1997. In his sophomore season in 2019, Sewell won the Morris Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12 as voted on by opposing players, and the Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in the country while being named a unanimous All-American. After bypassing the 2020 season, Sewell was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Lions. Sewell made a smooth adjustment to the NFL game while playing both right and left tackle last season as he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. At 20 years and 338 days old, he became the youngest player to start an NFL game at left tackle when he made his professional debut on September 12, 2021.
“We are excited to welcome one of the key foundational players of the Detroit Lions as Penei Sewell joins us as the Grand Marshal Sunday in what will be an emotional day on Belle Isle,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “Penei is one of Detroit’s true sports stars and we look forward to hosting him while we celebrate one last time with our fans on Belle Isle.”
Tickets for the 2022 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear are still available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.DetroitGP.com or call 866-464-PRIX (7749).
DETROIT, Mich. (May 30, 2022) – Extending its longtime partnership with the Canadian city located just across the Detroit River from Belle Isle, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will continue its alliance with the City of Windsor in 2022.
With residents of both Canada and the United States now able to travel across the international Detroit/Windsor border, Canadian race fans once again have the opportunity to enjoy the Grand Prix on Belle Isle this weekend, June 3-5. Celebrating the 13th year of its partnership with the City of Windsor, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will offer Canadian race fans a $10 U.S. discount (a value of nearly $13 CDN) on any available ticket for Saturday or Sunday at the Grand Prix. Canadians can visit www.DetroitGP.com/Windsor and use the code YQG at check out to take advantage of the offer. To get the most up to date information on Windsor/Detroit border crossing procedures, visit the crossingmadeeasy.com website hosted by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
“We are excited to welcome Canadian race fans back to the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. Because of the pandemic and border restrictions, we haven’t been able to host our Canadian fans at the Grand Prix in three years, so we look forward to celebrating the final Grand Prix on Belle Isle with our fans from across the border in Windsor,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “The Grand Prix is proud of our partnership with the City of Windsor, and we want to thank Mayor Drew Dilkens and his team for their continued support and for helping us host a world-class event that showcases all that Detroit and Windsor has to offer.”
The City of Windsor will once again have a strong presence at the Grand Prix as a result of the renewed partnership. Grandstand 2 – overlooking one of the signature sections of the Belle Isle street circuit with great views of the start/finish line, Turns 1 and 2 as well as pit lane – is known as the City of Windsor Grandstand 2. In addition, the City of Windsor International Media Center, located in the historic Belle Isle Casino, will once again serve as the home for the nearly 700 media members from around the world that will cover this weekend’s event. Members of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island will be onsite all weekend in the media center to help greet the members of the press and provide information on the region and concierge service for the unique Windsor/Detroit area.
“With Windsorites able to return to the action on site at the 2022 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, it’s exciting to see incredible discounted partner pricing for Canadian race fans wanting to attend this first-class race weekend,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Whether you’ve been before, or are heading over for the first time, this is a not-to-be-missed, world-class event in our own backyard, and it’s your last chance to catch the races on Belle Isle! Long known as the ‘Two Nation Destination,’ Detroit is a strategic partner for the City of Windsor and for Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island in many ways. Have a great time at the races!”
With their discounted tickets, Canadian fans will witness one of the most diverse on-track lineups in motorsports – highlighted by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing in the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon and the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic on Saturday afternoon. The rising stars of open wheel racing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, along with the historic sports cars of the Masters Endurance Legends USA, will compete in doubleheader weekends with races on both Saturday and Sunday.
Canadian fans will also have access to the Fifth Third Bank Paddock – known as the “locker room of motorsports” – to watch the teams prepare to compete on the Belle Isle track, along with the Meijer Fan Zone and the new Fountain Fan Area with activities for fans of all ages and celebrations at the Autotrader Winner’s Circle, located at the historic Scott Fountain. The Grand Prix Entertainment Stage will also be featured in the Fountain Fan Area adjacent to Scott Fountain, with music all weekend long.
To learn more about the special ticket offer for Canadian fans, and to purchase tickets for this weekend’s races, visit www.DetroitGP.com/Windsor.
ABOUT THE DETROIT GRAND PRIX The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2022 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the rising stars of racing competing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires and the historic sports cars of Masters Endurance Legends USA. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com and follow our social media pages at www.facebook.com/detroitgp, www.twitter.com/detroitgp and www.instagram.com/detroitgp.
STEM-Based Program Works with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Detroit Grand Prix to Create Opportunities for Urban Youth
DETROIT, Mich. (May 10, 2022) – The Nexgeneracers (NXG) Youth Motorsports program continues to build momentum in the Motor City while creating opportunities and teaching life lessons to inner-city Detroit students through racing.
Following a very successful first year of expansion to Detroit with a pilot program in 2021, NXG has expanded its outreach and its presence in the community in 2022, thanks to the continued support from program partner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. With its new home at Detroit’s Cass Technical High School, NXG Detroit has already hosted its first weekend experience for students in 2022 and two additional two-day classes are locked in for this summer, including later this month. In addition, the Detroit-area students that participated in the two inaugural NXG events last year and those that attend the first two weekend classes in 2022 will all be invited to the upcoming Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, June 4-5, for a unique behind-the-scenes experience and educational opportunity at their hometown event.
“NXG’s program expansion into Detroit last year was very successful,” said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Vice President and Special Assistant to the President of Community Relations Ken Hayward. “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a proud supporter of NXG’s 2022 program and we look forward to see this year’s cohorts thrive and excel in their program courses. This initiative is a testament to Detroit’s namesake as the Motor City. We also appreciate this opportunity as it helps keep Michigan’s children healthy and active, both on the track and in the classroom.”
Modeled after the successful NXG youth development program in Indianapolis, Ind., that has educated hundreds of urban youth over the last 15 plus years, NXG Detroit offers a two-day course that combines classroom instruction and STEM learning with life skill development and on-track vehicle training in state-of-the-art go-karts on a customed-designed course.
NXG Detroit hosted its first 2022 weekend session April 23-24 at its new home – Cass Tech High School in Downtown Detroit. Featuring 13 students that participated in one of the two entry-level classes offered last year in Detroit, the two-day MA 200 class in April provided an opportunity for the participants to continue their development and learning. The second session in 2022 for NXG Detroit will be hosted May 21-22 at Cass Tech, as a new group of 20 Detroit students will participate in the MA 100 entry-level class.
“We appreciated the opportunity to bring NXG Youth Motorsports to Detroit in 2021 with the support of Blue Cross. We are proud to offer students in under-represented communities a chance to learn about motorsports and connect the STEM lessons learned in the classroom with the real-world application on track in their careers and in life,” said NXG Co-Founder and Chief Instructor Rod Reid. “In April, we continued the development of some of the Detroit students we connected with last year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming 20 new NXG Detroit students May 21-22 for our next MA 100 class.”
All of the NXG Detroit participants and their families are invited to attend next month’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear in its final year competing on Belle Isle. The students will experience some unique engagement and educational opportunities at the Grand Prix, including meeting with the African American owned and led Force Indy team competing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires series, connecting with technicians from Firestone and engineers from General Motors and a few select NXG students will have the opportunity to present trophies at the AutoTrader.com Winners Circle following the Indy Lights races and the Masters Endurance Legends races on both Saturday and Sunday.
“NXG Detroit provides an incredible opportunity for students to take the lessons they’ve learned about science, math and technology and apply it directly to racing,” said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “The experience also goes well beyond the classroom and even the race track. These young men and women learn valuable life lessons and they are also exposed to so many different elements and career opportunities in motorsports. We are excited to add to their journey with some meaningful engagement opportunities at this year’s Grand Prix and continue their growth and development.”
The third NXG Detroit session in 2022 is scheduled for September 10-11 at Cass Tech with an MA 300 session featuring students that participated in April’s MA 200 class. For more information on NXG Youth Motorsports visit https://www.nxgyouth.org/.
ABOUT NXG YOUTH MOTORSPORTS NXG Youth Motorsports, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization offering experiential learning programs to students from under-represented communities, ages 11-15, using go-kart driving and motorsports as a tool for STEM concepts and application, life skill development, and career options. NXG Youth Motorsports has introduced motorsports and open-wheel racing to 218 classes and 2,346 participants and their families since its inception in 2006. To learn more visit www.nxgyouth.org, “like” us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBluesPerspectives.com.
ABOUT THE CHEVROLET DETROIT GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY LEAR
The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2022 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the rising stars of racing competing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires and the historical sports cars of the Masters Endurance Legends USA. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com and follow our social media pages at www.facebook.com/detroitgp, www.twitter.com/detroitgp and www.instagram.com/detroitgp
Historic Sports Cars to Race Saturday and Sunday of Grand Prix Weekend on Belle Isle
DETROIT, Mich. (March 16, 2022) – Some of the most iconic and accomplished sports cars in recent history will be featured during the final race weekend hosted on Belle Isle as the Masters Endurance Legends USA series will join the on-track lineup for the 2022 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, June 3-5.
Part of the international Masters Historic Racing program, the Masters Endurance Legends USA class was established in 2019. The series features Prototype and GT cars that raced in wordwide sports car competition between 1982 and 2017. Masters Endurance Legends USA highlights cars that have raced at the top endurance events across the globe – including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and more – competing in their original race livery.
Driven by their current owners on the challenging 2.3-mile Raceway at Belle Isle Park street circuit, cars expected to compete at this summer’s Grand Prix include the famous Compuware Corvette GTs, along with Corvette Prototypes and even Cadillac DPis, similar to the powerful and exotic sports cars that fans have seen race in Detroit in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Masters Endurance Legends USA will feature practice and qualifying on opening day of Grand Prix weekend on Belle Isle – Friday, June 3. The series will then host races on both Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. It marks the first time the historic sports car series will compete in Detroit.
“Sports car racing has a great tradition of racing at the Detroit Grand Prix and we’re excited to honor that heritage in 2022 as we welcome Masters Endurance Legends USA to our weekend lineup,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We know our fans love sports car racing and have a great appreciation for the history of the sport. We look forward to showcasing some of the most iconic endurance race cars over the past couple of decades as we celebrate the final Grand Prix on Belle Isle in June.”
Along with the Masters Endurance Legends USA, the 2022 race weekend will feature the modern-day sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship racing in the Chevrolet Sport Car Classic on Saturday, June 4. The stars and cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will compete in the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix on Sunday, June 4, while the rising stars of racing will be on full display with Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires hosting a doubleheader weekend June 4-5. Featuring six races in one action-packed weekend on Belle Isle, fans will enjoy a great value with diverse racing on the track during the final Grand Prix on Belle Isle before the event returns to original home on the streets of Downtown Detroit in 2023.
Tickets for the 2022 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear can be purchased online at www.DetroitGP.com/Tickets or through the ticket hotline at 866-464-PRIX (7749). For more information on this summer’s Grand Prix, visit www.DetroitGP.com.
ABOUT THE DETROIT GRAND PRIX The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2022 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the rising stars of racing competing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires and the Masters Endurance Legends USA. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com and follow our social media pages at www.facebook.com/detroitgp, www.twitter.com/detroitgp and www.instagram.com/detroitgp.
Event Looking for Approximately 500 Additional Volunteers for Final Event Held on Belle Isle
DETROIT, Mich. (January 26, 2022) – With preparations underway for the 2022 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, volunteer registration is now open for one of the most popular summertime events in the Motor City. Organizers are looking for several hundred additional volunteers to help serve as ambassadors for the Grand Prix, Belle Isle and the City of Detroit as the event hosts its final weekend on the island, June 3-5, before returning to its original home on the streets of Downtown Detroit in 2023. All volunteers will become members of the Detroit Grand Prix Association (DGPA) – the official volunteer organization of the Grand Prix – and there are opportunities to assist in many key areas for the 2022 event.
The DGPA hopes to recruit a total of approximately 1,000 volunteers for this summer’s Grand Prix with more than 500 members already registered for 2022. New member registration began last week and nearly 100 first-time members have already signed up with over 400 returning members committed to supporting the summertime motorsports festival on Belle Isle. DGPA members assist in almost all aspects of the Grand Prix, including serving as ushers and tickets scanners, working in information booths, providing hospitality shuttle services and more. Volunteers have the opportunity to experience the Grand Prix from behind the scenes and support a positive community event that continues to give back to Belle Isle Park and its surrounding communities.
The 2022 Grand Prix will feature world-class racing, music, entertainment, interactive displays, food, drinks and fun for the expected 100,000 fans that will visit the Raceway at Belle Isle Park over the course of the three-day weekend. Lear Corporation returns as the proud sponsor of the Grand Prix volunteer program in 2022.
Anyone interested in learning more or signing up to become a DGPA member and volunteer for the 2022 Grand Prix can visit www.DetroitGP.com and select the “Volunteer” link.
“We are so thankful for the continued support of the Detroit Grand Prix Association members and all of our volunteers for their help and dedication to the Grand Prix,” said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “Our volunteers are simply the best and our event, Belle Isle and the City of Detroit could not ask for better ambassadors as they greet all of our guests with smiling faces, enthusiasm and excitement throughout our race weekend. The DGPA and its members are essential to our team as we host this world-class event in Detroit each and every year.”
DGPA departments that still need volunteers for 2022 include Circuit Marshals, Customer Relations, On-Track Services, Ticket Scanners and more. In 2022, the DGPA will continue to provide an enhanced scheduling program that offers more flexibility and shorter shift times for new volunteers working at the Grand Prix. New members have the option to work one, two or three days during race weekend, while most departments are looking for volunteers to work a shift on both Saturday and Sunday of the Grand Prix.
To join the DGPA and become a volunteer for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, members pay an annual fee of $20. This fee helps cover the cost of many volunteer benefits including a membership patch, commemorative lapel pin, appreciation certificate and access to pre- and post-race parties for DGPA members. The Grand Prix also provides each volunteer with a credential to access the venue during race weekend, official uniform shirts and hat, free off-island parking, shuttle service to Belle Isle and meals each day of race weekend. For more information on the DGPA and to sign up as a volunteer for the 2022 Grand Prix, visit www.DetroitGP.com.
ABOUT THE DETROIT GRAND PRIX The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2022 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the rising stars of racing competing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com and follow our social media channels at www.facebook.com/detroitgp, www.twitter.com/detroitgp and www.instagram.com/detroitgp.
DETROIT, Mich. (June 11, 2021) – Fans will have plenty of easy and safe transportation options available for their visit to Belle Isle for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, June 11-13.
Once again, there is no public parking available on Belle Isle for Grand Prix attendees during race weekend. There are numerous options for fans to take advantage of, however, as they plan their visit to the Raceway at Belle Isle Park.
Fans are welcome to park at any of the public parking structures or lots in downtown Detroit and ride the free Grand Prix transportation shuttles for a smooth, fast and reliable trip to Belle Isle. The shuttles will pick up Grand Prix attendees from two dedicated locations in downtown Detroit, just east of near the GM Renaissance Center – on the south side of Atwater Street at St. Antoine Street and at Franklin and Rivard Streets. In 2021, there is no Grand Prix shuttle stop at TCF Center (formerly Cobo Center).
Following health and safety protocols, face coverings will be required on the transportation shuttles. Shuttle riders will be dropped off at the entrance gates to the Grand Prix on Belle Isle.
The free shuttle service will begin at 6:30 am on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12 and on Sunday, June 12, service will begin at 7:00 am. The shuttles will continue to operate each day until all guests have returned from the island once Grand Prix activities have concluded.
New in 2021, guests can bike across the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle through MoGo Bike Rental. Fans can pick up a bike from the MoGo station at any station throughout downtown Detroit and purchase two hours of bike time and ride to and from Belle Isle at a reduced rate. For the return from Belle Isle, MoGo bikes can be rented from a special location on Belle Isle just across the street from the main entrance, near the Belle Isle Boat House. Download the Transit app and use the promo code ‘GP21MOGO’ to take advantage of this special offer.
The popular Grand Prix Ride Share system returns in 2021 as race attendees are welcome to use Lyft or Uber with the drop off and pickup area located on Belle Isle for the first time, just steps from the front gate.
“We are proud to offer our fans an easy and reliable transportation system for their visit to the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “Our park and ride system provides safe and efficient transportation to and from the Grand Prix and we’re happy to bring back our Ride Share options for fans. We’re also excited to partner with MoGo this year as a great option for Grand Prix attendees to ride bikes on to or from Belle Isle. No matter how our fans choose to arrive on Belle Isle, we know they’ll have a great time at the Grand Prix.”
To learn more about the transportation options available for this year’s Grand Prix, visit www.DetroitGP.com/eventinfo/transportation. Tickets for the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.DetroitGP.com.
DETROIT, Mich. (June 9, 2021) – One of the Detroit Pistons brightest young stars will serve as Grand Marshal at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday, June 13. Saddiq Bey, who just completed a stellar rookie season in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Pistons, will participate in several activities to celebrate the final day of a busy Grand Prix weekend on Belle Isle.
Bey will participate in pre-race and post-race ceremonies for the second Chevrolet Dual in Detroit NTT INDYCAR SERIES race (Sunday, June 13 at 12 pm ET on NBC) on the Belle Isle Park street circuit. After getting a chance to meet some of the star drivers and teams competing in INDYCAR, Bey will deliver the official command of “Drivers, To Your Cars” before the final race of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. The talented 6-foot-7-inch forward from Washington, DC will then ride in an official pace car at the front of the INDYCAR field before the green flag waves to begin the Dual in Detroit II. After the race, Bey will help present trophies to the top three finishing drivers as they celebrate at Autotrader Winner’s Circle located at the historic Scott Fountain.
“It’s an honor to be the Grand Marshall for the Detroit Grand Prix,” said Bey. “The city has such a rich history within the sports and car industries and I’m excited to be a part of this incredible event on Belle Isle.”
Bey was drafted by the Pistons in the first round (No. 19 overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft after a successful two years at Villanova University. During his freshman season, Bey started 29 games for the Wildcats and was named to the Big East All-Freshman team after averaging 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds. His sophomore season featured a career-high 33 points with eight three-pointers against Georgetown. He finished the season averaging 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Bey won the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward and was a unanimous selection on the All-Big East first-team.
In his rookie season with the Pistons, Bey became one of the team’s building blocks for the future with his standout play on both ends of the court. He set a Pistons rookie record and led all NBA rookies with 175 three-point field goals on the year and he was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week in mid February, following a week that included a career-high 30 points, along with 12 rebounds, in a Pistons win against the Boston Celtics. For the season, Bey averaged 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game and he will be a strong candidate to earn all-rookie team honors for the 2021 season.
“We are excited to welcome one of the Detroit Pistons brightest young stars and one of the top rookies in the NBA with Saddiq Bey serving as our Grand Marshal for Sunday at the Grand Prix,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “Saddiq will help us get everything started as we celebrate the final day of what we know will be a memorable weekend on Belle Isle.”
Tickets for the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.DetroitGP.com.
All Passes for Comerica Bank Free Prix Day Have Been Claimed
DETROIT, Mich. (June 8, 2021) – Tickets are going fast for the first big event to return to the Motor City this summer as only limited tickets are available for this weekend’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Belle Isle, June 11-13. All tickets for Friday’s Comerica Bank Free Prix Day have been claimed while only a few reserved grandstand tickets remain for Saturday’s racing action at the Grand Prix. Select reserved grandstand seats and limited general admission tickets are currently on sale for Sunday’s final day of the annual motorsports celebration in the Motor City.
Demand has been high for tickets at the Grand Prix since the event announced a few weeks ago that more fans could attend the event on Belle Isle with new health and safety guidelines in the State of Michigan. The need for speed extends to hospitality at the Grand Prix as all 23 of the event’s chalet suites are also sold out for the weekend.
“We are so excited to be back racing in the Motor City and we can’t wait to welcome our fans to Belle Isle this weekend,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We’ve been reminded over the last few weeks just how much people love the Grand Prix and want to be part of this special event as we get the wheels turning again in the Motor City.”
The 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear features the cars and stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing the Chevy Dual in Detroit doubleheader race weekend. With two full-points races on consecutive days, there’s a lot at stake during an important weekend on the tough Belle Isle street circuit. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship hosts the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic on Saturday evening. Corvette Racing returns to its hometown race for the first time since 2008 with two new mid-engine C8.R Corvettes competing in the IMSA Chevy Sports Car Classic. Completing an action-packed weekend on track is Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, racing on both Saturday and Sunday for their first races in Detroit since 2012. With five races over three days, the Grand Prix will provide non-stop action and plenty of thrills for fans on Belle Isle.
Tickets for the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.DetroitGP.com.
ABOUT THE DETROIT GRAND PRIX The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 11-13, 2021 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevy Dual in Detroit featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the rising stars of the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com
WHAT: The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will take place on Belle Isle, June 11-13, 2021. The event features the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing in the Chevrolet Dual in Detroit doubleheader, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Series. The event is collectively referred to as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, June 11-13, 2021
WHERE: The Raceway at Belle Isle Park street circuit
TRACK LENGTH: 2.3 miles
RACE HISTORY: The first Detroit Grand Prix was in 1982 and it started as a Formula One race through the streets of downtown Detroit before becoming a CART-sanctioned race in 1989. The race moved to Belle Isle in 1992 continuing under the CART/Champ Car banner until 2001. After the success of the Super Bowl in Detroit in 2006, Roger Penske and the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) teamed up to bring an annual national sporting event to the city of Detroit and spearheaded the return of the Grand Prix in 2007 on Belle Isle. After challenging economic times delayed the event after the 2008 season, the Grand Prix returned in 2012 with Chevrolet as the title sponsor of the event and the current promotional group as a subsidiary of the DDP. The 2019 event marked the 30th Grand Prix in Detroit’s history. The event was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHAMPIONS VISIT VICTORY LANE IN 30th DETROIT GRAND PRIX: Two former NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions captured race victories in the 2019 Chevrolet Dual in Detroit races on Belle Isle. Josef Newgarden of Team Penske won Dual I on Saturday, June 1 to secure his 12th career IndyCar win and the first trip to the top step of the podium on Belle Isle for the 2017 series champion. In Dual II on Sunday, June 2, Scott Dixon of Ganassi Racing – a six-time series champ – earned his 45th career victory and his third Detroit win. Both drivers followed up Ryan Hunter-Reay’s 2018 winning plunge into the chilly waters of the James Scott Memorial Fountain by taking a celebratory dip following victory ceremonies at the Autotrader Winner’s Circle.
In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Chevrolet Sports Car Classic on Saturday, the Acura Team Penske duo of Juan Pablo Montoya and Dane Cameron earned their second consecutive win as they drove the No. 6 Acura Team Penske DPi to victory lane. It was the first win in Detroit for Montoya while Cameron scored his second victory in the Motor City, to go along with his 2015 win on Belle Isle. In the GTD class, Richard Heistand and Jack Hawksworth of AIM Vasser Sullivan piloted their Lexus RCF GT3 across the finish line, marking the first Detroit victory for both drivers.
INDYCAR BROADCAST COVERAGE (Subject to change): Saturday, June 12, 2021 Chevrolet Dual in Detroit I (NTT INDYCAR SERIES) Live National television coverage: NBC (2:00 pm ET) Live Local television coverage: WDIV, Local 4 Live Local radio coverage: 910AM Superstation (INDYCAR Radio Network)
Sunday, June 13, 2021 Chevrolet Dual in Detroit II (NTT INDYCAR SERIES) Live National television coverage: NBC (12:00 pm ET) Live Local television coverage: WDIV, Local 4 Live Local radio coverage: 910AM Superstation (INDYCAR Radio Network)
IMSA BROADCAST COVERAGE (Subject to change): Saturday, June 12, 2021 Chevrolet Sports Car Classic (IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) Live National television coverage: NBC Sports Network (5:00 pm ET)
INDY LIGHTS BROADCAST COVERAGE (Subject to change): Saturday, June 12, 2021 Race #1 (Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires) Live National television coverage: Peacock TV (12:00 pm ET)
Sunday, June 13, 2021 Race #2 (Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires) Live National television coverage: Peacock TV (10:30 am ET)
FAN ACTIVITIES: While fan activities will be reduced from previous years due to health and safety protocols, there will be displays featured throughout race weekend including food trucks, activation areas from Chevrolet, Cadillac and Firestone, along with fan forums, new viewing areas and celebrations at Victory Podium (Historic Scott Fountain).
TICKETS: Ticket are on sale now for the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. Limited reserved grandstand seating and general admission tickets can be purchased online at www.DetroitGP.com/tickets.
TRANSPORTATION: There is no public parking available on Belle Isle for Grand Prix attendees, but event guests are all encouraged to utilize the convenient and efficient park and ride system. New in 2021, event attendees can utilize Detroit’s MoGo Bike Rental transportation system. Convenient ride-share services through Lyft are also available for Grand Prix attendees. Click here for more information on the 2021 Transportation Plan.
COMERICA BANK FREE PRIX DAY RETURNS: Carrying on a tradition that began with the first Detroit Grand Prix in 1982, Comerica Bank Free Prix Day returns in 2021. Fans that reserved free tickets are welcome to attend all activities at the Grand Prix on Friday, June 11 free of charge. No more tickets are available for Comerica Bank Free Prix Day.
FANS WELCOME IN FIFTH THIRD BANK PADDOCK: All Grand Prix ticketholders will once again have access to the Fifth Third Bank Paddock at the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear – known as the “locker room” of motorsports. The paddock area includes the garages where race teams work on their cars throughout the weekend, providing a unique behind-the-scenes experience for fans on Belle Isle.
GRAND MARSHAL: Detroit Lions new Head Coach Dan Campbell will serve as Grand Marshal of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Saturday, June 12. A former Lions player, Campbell will bring his intensity and enthusiasm to Belle Isle as he meets with teams and drivers before giving the famous command of “Drivers, Start Your Engines” and riding in a pace car at the front of the field prior to the beginning of Chevrolet Dual in Detroit I.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS: The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will continue to align with the current COVID-19 health and safety protocols in the State of Michigan. This includes relaxed restrictions at outdoor venues after June 1, which allows for full seating in the grandstands on Belle Isle during race weekend, and no face coverings required for all Grand Prix attendees that have been fully vaccinated.
BELLE ISLE IMPROVEMENTS: Since the Grand Prix returned to Belle Isle in 2007, event organizers and contributing partners have made over $13.5 million in lasting improvements to Belle Isle. These enhancements include: • Repairing damaged lighting and drainage systems • Renovating the Scott Fountain, the Belle Isle Casino and the Belle Isle Boat House • Repaving, repairing and maintaining island roadways • Installing new pedestrian bridges and playscapes • Working with Platinum Equity to install new LED lights on the MacArthur Bridge and around the Scott Fountain • Enhancing paved areas for park visitors to enjoy more parking, community events and activities year-round • Creating pedestrian walkways and new bicycle lanes on Belle Isle • Raising more than $5 million in funds for the Belle Isle Conservancy and their mission to preserve, protect and restore Belle Isle Park through the annual Grand Prixmiere charity gala
COMMUNITY IMPACT: The Grand Prix has annually generated over $45 million in total spending annually for the Metro Detroit region. An independent study concluded the Grand Prix created an estimated $58 million in total spending for the Metro Detroit region in 2017. Over 95,000 people attended the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear events in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
PARTNERS: The Grand Prix welcomes support from 60 local and national partners in 2021. The total includes eight new partners and 26 companies that have been part of the race since the event returned in 2012.
WEB SITE: For complete information on the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, visit www.DetroitGP.com. To follow the NTT INDYCAR SERIES action on Belle Isle, visit www.INDYCAR.com. Follow along with the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship action on Belle Isle, visit www.IMSA.com. Keep up with the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires on Belle Isle by visiting www.IndyLights.com.
ABOUT THE DETROIT GRAND PRIX The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 11-13, 2021 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevy Dual in Detroit featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the rising stars of the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires.
DETROIT, Mich. (May 25, 2021) – As the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear welcomes additional fans in its 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, held June 11-13, 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.
The Grand Prix announced last week that several thousand more reserved grandstand tickets will be available to fans at this year’s event following the recent announcement by the State of Michigan that pandemic restrictions will be lifted for outdoor events, beginning in June. Tickets are now available for online purchase only at www.DetroitGP.com/tickets.
With the new guidelines in place, Grand Prix organizers are opening up the Fifth Third Bank Paddock to all reserved grandstand ticketholders, as well as fans that purchase general admission tickets for race weekend. Known as the “locker room of motorsports,” the paddock area provides the opportunity for Grand Prix attendees to get a peak at the garage areas and see the world-class NTT INDYCAR SERIES and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship teams that race at the event in their natural environment.
“At the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix we opened up the Fifth Third Bank Paddock so all fans had the opportunity to get behind the scenes and closer to the action on Belle Isle,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We weren’t sure if we would have opportunity to provide that experience again this year, but with the new protocols announced last week, we are excited to safely welcome our fans back inside the paddock and give them the chance to feel the excitement of world-class racing here in the Motor City.”
Fans that attend Comerica Bank Free Prix Day on Friday, June 11 at the Grand Prix will also be welcome in the Fifth Third Bank Paddock. Free Prix Day tickets, along with reserved grandstand seats and general admission tickets, are available online at www.DetroitGP.com/tickets.
