Detroit — The Detroit Grand Prix returns to the streets of downtown Detroit this weekend. It will feature lots of action-packed racing including the NTT Indycar series, Indy NXT series, Trans Am Series, and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The DGP media luncheon was held on Thursday inside the Renaissance Center Wintergarden at GM World in downtown Detroit. James Hinchcliffe, Indycar driver, was the emcee for the afternoon.
James Coffman, U.S. Auto Supplier from Deloitte was first up. He mentioned that this will be a top-notch race. “It’s an important event for our city and community.”
Bud Denker, Chairman of Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, announced that 19 people created this idea where the magic begins. “Where in the world can you have a racetrack around the GM World Headquarters buildings all in one place? This will be the first time in 32 years back on the streets of Detroit. We know the buzz is already great. The electricity will be even better,” added Denker. He also announced that John Watson, winner of the 1982 F1 race on the streets of Detroit, will be the Grand Marshal.
Jim Campbell, Vice President of GM Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, says “We are thrilled we’re going to bring racing back to Detroit streets with a 1.7 mile track. The Indy win is a kind of a momentum for Chevrolet. The race is going to be a lot of fun.”
Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden stood up from his table and said “I will be happy to take on the challenge in Detroit. It is exciting to be back. We have tremendous partners here. There will be 1,000 volunteers to help us out.”
Todd Kennedy, Vice President of Global GM Seating at Lear, says “We are very proud to be an employer from the city of Detroit. With our history, we are really glad to be back here.”
Also in attendance were: Will Power and Scott McLaughlin from NTT Indycar Series. Romain Grosjean from Andretti Sport, Jack Harvey from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Robin Liddell from IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series-Rebel Rock Racing, Ernie Francis Jr. from INDY NXT by Firestone-Force Indy/HMD Motorsports and Thomas Merrill and Austin Green from Trans Am Series by Pirelli.
Fan activities will be located in Hart Plaza sponsored by Meijer at the Meijer Fan Zone, and also at Spirit Plaza.
All weekend long, there will be free live entertainment at the stage that will also be located at Hart Plaza with A-Trac at 6 pm and Big Boi at 7:30 pm on Friday, June 2; and Z-Trip at 5:30 pm and Steve Aoki at 7 pm on Saturday, June 3. A variety of DJs, local and national bands will be performing on Sunday from 10:30 a.m to 2:30 pm.
Friday is Free Prix Day for fans to enjoy a new setting with more areas of access for the beginning of a new era of racing. The track is 1.7 miles long with nine turns along Jefferson avenue, Atwater street, St. Antoine, Franklin and Rivard streets. On Sunday, the drivers will race 100 laps. The Autotrader Winner’s Circle is located on the Riverwalk outside the GM Wintergarden along the Detroit Riverfront. Although some tickets are sold out, general admissions tickets are still available.
For more information and to purchase tickets, contact www.DetroitGP.com/tickets.
Autotrader Winners Circle in front of GM Wintergarden 
Emcee James Hinchcliffe, IndyCar Series driver 
Jason Coffman, U.S. Auto Supplier, Deloitte 
Bud Denker, Chairman, Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear 
Jim Campbell (center), Vice President of GM Performance Vehicles and Motorsports 
Todd Kennedy, VP Global GM Seating at LEAR 
Indycar series driver Will Power (right) 
Roger Penske, Owner of Team Penske (center) 
Jack Harvey from Rahal Racing 
Indycar series driver Scott McLaughlin 
2023 Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar
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