On a cloudy Sunday afternoon on Belle Isle, a park in the center of Detroit, the peaceful sounds of children playing and jazz music coming from portable radios was broken by the sound of a raging car engine.
But not just any engine…a 550 horsepower Indy Car engine.
Detroit Grand Prix Car
This car, along with the twenty-five other competitors in the 2013 Detroit Grand Prix, are part of a legacy of Detroit racing that reaches back over thirty years, and has historically had a positive financial impact on the city of Detroit. In this time of financial woes for the Motor City, any event that brings positive attention is a welcome one.
Over 50,000 fans packed the stands that lined the 2.3-mile track, which featured a completely new design this year. Updates include over 700,000 sq. ft. of concrete and road improvements, new pedestrian bridges and playscapes, and fan interactive areas; all designed to enhance the racing environment for the racers and spectators.
Detroit Grand Prix
Racing fan Rensu Chan drove in from Windsor, Canada to watch this year’s race.
“I’ve come to a few of these races, and I am glad to see the new look. The standing areas and the whole surroundings look better, and there is more space to get a bit closer to the action. I hope they keep this kind of set-up for next year, but either way, I’ll be back to watch.”
In past years, the race has generated over $53 million in revenue for the area, and has provided a stimulus for local businesses. City financial analysts predict a similar outcome for this year’s race.
Racing fan, Reuben Alexander says this time the race has come at the perfect time.
“If nothing else, the businesses downtown get some money, and since the Grand Prix is such a big deal, people will come. I’m sure the downtown area really appreciates the race being back for the past two years. Anytime we are talking about selling the artwork out of the museums here, anything can help.”