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Detroit GP Confirmed for 2019 in New Three-Year Extension

Detroit GP reaches agreement with Michigan Department of Natural Resources for Belle Isle race…

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

The Detroit Grand Prix and Michigan Department of Natural Resources have reached an agreement for the annual event to continue on Belle Isle for at least three more years.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Grand Prix will return to its home on Belle Isle through 2021, with an option for extending the agreement two additional years through 2023.

Friday’s confirmation comes one week after the release of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar, which had the June 1 race listed as to-be-confirmed due to the ongoing negotiations, which have now been finalized. 

A number of key changes will be mad under the new agreement to “positively impact” Belle Isle Park, including a reduction of the event’s build out and post-event take down times to 60 days next year and 59 days in 2020 and 2021.

The Grand Prix will also increase its annual total contribution for hosting the event on Belle Isle from $200,000 to $450,000 for each year, including an annual $325,000 event fee and a contribution of $125,000 annually to be used by the MDNR for specific projects on Belle Isle.

A fundraising event will also continue to be hosted on the Friday night of the event weekend, with proceeds going to the Belle Isle Conservancy for improvements on the island.

“We are excited that the Detroit Grand Prix will continue at Belle Isle for the next several years and we want to thank the State of Michigan for working with us on this new agreement, as well as our partners with City of Detroit and the Belle Isle Conservancy,” said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Grand Prix.

“This event means so much to Detroit, to Windsor and our entire community. We are proud to showcase the beauty of Belle Isle around the world every year and to make such a positive impact on the local economy with over $50 million in total spending generated annually as a result of the Grand Prix.

“Most importantly, we want to continue our goal of improving Belle Isle Park. The Grand Prix has made over $13.5 million in improvements on the island over the last decade and we know there’s still a lot more work that needs to be done.

“Our team looks forward to building on all of the positive momentum and being part of the remarkable renaissance going on at Belle Isle.”

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