Fans to Return to IMSA Paddock at Detroit

Fans will return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship paddock for the first time since the start of last year during next month’s round at Detroit Belle Isle.

The organizers of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear announced on Tuesday that paddock access will be granted to spectators in accordance with Michigan’s lifting of coronavirus restrictions on outdoor venues from June 1.

The paddock area, where teams prepare their cars, will be open to all ticket holders.

IMSA’s visit to Detroit Belle Isle on June 12 with the DPi, GT Le Mans and GT Daytona classes forms part of an event bill that also includes two NTT IndyCar Series races.

“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 [the] 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.”

The last IMSA race to allow fan access to the paddock was the 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Spectators have been permitted to attend IMSA races since then, but the team area has been closed off as part of measures to limit coronavirus transmission.

The Detroit Grand Prix is so far the only 2021 IMSA round with an open paddock confirmed.