Post by Spin on Sept 29, 2021 5:30:17 GMT -8
The magic of this route is that it disrupts no traffic north of Jefferson,” Denker said.
Read: Detroit Grand Prix returns to Belle Isle in 2022 with single-race format
According to Denker, the main goal is inclusion, whether that’s hiring Detroiters for seasonal jobs, or getting them to the race that often seemed a world away on the island.
“One half of this race circuit will be accessible to the public for free,” he said. “On Belle Isle, we can’t do that.”
Officials with Team Penske and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear said in a statement that they still have the option to extend their agreement with the state to host the event on Belle Isle through 2024, but wanted to explore the option of moving downtown sooner than that.
Read: Detroit Grand Prix returns to Belle Isle in 2022 with single-race format
According to Denker, the main goal is inclusion, whether that’s hiring Detroiters for seasonal jobs, or getting them to the race that often seemed a world away on the island.
“One half of this race circuit will be accessible to the public for free,” he said. “On Belle Isle, we can’t do that.”
Officials with Team Penske and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear said in a statement that they still have the option to extend their agreement with the state to host the event on Belle Isle through 2024, but wanted to explore the option of moving downtown sooner than that.
I agree that for some (uppity) fans the short bus ride across the river was apparently too much to take. And a DOWNTOWN circuit would be pretty awesome.
But this circuit IMO runs through post-industrial blight that doesn't really show the US's poorest city in a positive way.
I would have used Woodward Ave and surrounding streets, running through the vibrant downtown and past the sports facilities. Nothing would show Detroit in a positive light like an event where the city is really alive. I'm not picking on Detroit (growing up and living near Cleveland my whole life. I know what the Cleveland Grand Prix did for the city's image).
He apparently wants to include the river. And maybe doesn't want to disrupt downtown (but that's what street circuits do). I just know the area they want to race in from staying in a hotel there and commuting to the island for the races. It's not what I would use to spotlight the city. I haven't pulled up any maps yet but at least part of if incorporates the old US Grand Prix circuit.
As far as the race, I see two drag strips surrounded by sharp 90' turns. None of the character of the Belle Isle circuit.