Detroit — The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear Prix-View was held today at the Motor City Java coffee shop in Detroit. The 22nd Grand Prix Presented by Lear will be held during the weekend of June 3-5, 2022 on Belle Isle for the last time before it hits the streets of Detroit in 2023.
Rinus Veekay, originally from the Netherlands and who earned his first career victory in the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was in attendance. He said Belle Isle is a great course but bumpy. He is looking forward to this year and is proud to drive for the Chevrolet brand. “The priority for every driver is to win,” says Veekay. His No. 21 Sonax Chevrolet was also on display for viewing today.
Michael Montri, President of the Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear, informed us that we are completely sold out in tickets sales for this year. He explained that the 2023 event will be racing on a new 1.7 mile, 10-turn street circuit along Jefferson Avenue. The racetrack will include a dual pit lane and a U-turn at the Joe Louis fist in the heart of downtown. “The hairpin is amazing,” says Montri.
Montri also mentioned the Legacy Display which will be located on the pathway from the Chevrolet pedestrian bridge over the racetrack to the paddock area. “The Legacy Display is designed to reflect on what we helped do on the island; the really special moments that happened on Belle Isle. One such moment is when Rahal climbed the fence like where Spiderman was born. There is an interactive component on how we can take fans and put them into action. We want to celebrate what great times fans had on Belle Isle,” says Montri. Fans can look back at 22 years of key historical moments via a video and have an opportunity to share favorite memories and post photos of the Grand Prix on Belle Isle through social media.
Also at the Legacy Display, there will be a prototype INDYCAR model. A total of nine art models will be placed in seven districts in Detroit. Detroit area students and artists will decorate the INDYCAR art models utilizing PPG paints and coatings.
John George, Detroit Blight Busters, grew up in Brightmoor. He has spent 34 years boarding up crack houses in the area. “We meet every Saturday for the last 34 years. There are millions of dollars invested in this neighborhood called Artist’s Village. We are proud to be a part of Detroit’s rebirth. Motor City Java has a great history in Artist’s Village. “Art and cars, what more can you ask for in Artist’s Village,” says George.
Bobby Keyes, Vice President of DSMA (Detroit Sports Media Association) says his organization raises money for journalism scholarships. “Last year we raised $50,000,” says Keyes.
The 2022 poster competition was won by Mariam Wong and was unveiled today. It was a design that represents a connection to family and the excitement of the final Grand Prix held at Belle Isle Park. The cars are shown driving past the iconic Scott Fountain on Belle Isle Park as a family waves the checkered flag to symbolize the end of an era for the event on Belle Isle.
Merrill Cain hosted the event today.
For more info about the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and to buy tickets, visit https://detroitgp.com/
Merrill Cain with Michael Montri (President, Detroit Grand Prix) and Rinus VeeKay (driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet) 
Local artist Phillip Simpson and Trish Allen, spokeswoman from PPG Paints 
Miriam Wong, winner of CCCS/Detroit Grand Prix poster contest 
2022 Detroit Grand Prix winning poster 
Photo from last year’s Detroit Grand Prix