Street Fest, Prixmiere to Kick Off Belle Isle Grand Prix

2002

Quicken Loans will take to the streets on Wednesday to help Detroit gear up for the upcoming Belle Isle Grand Prix by hosting driver meet-and-greets, racing demonstrations, and Formula One car displays in Campus Martius Park.

“The Quicken Loans Grand Prix Street Fest powered by Chevrolet is the perfect way to rev everyone’s engines for the Grand Prix race weekend,” says Bud Denker, event chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. “We have a great evening planned (downtown), and fans will be able to experience all the fun and excitement of the Grand Prix for free.”

Merrill Cain, spokesman for the race, to be held Friday through Sunday, says the Street Fest will be a landmark culmination of the growing local enthusiam surrounding the upcoming races. “This will be the first year the (Street) Fest will be held in the evening, and that new party atmosphere will be a great way to drum up excitement for the races,” he says.

The festivities will continue on Friday with the PwC Grand Prixmiere, which benefits the Belle Isle Conservancy. Guests of the sold-out event can drive the race track, mingle with drivers, and participate in an auction featuring packages including a high-performance driving session with Ron Fellows, who has won both 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as 24 Hours of Daytona.

Since the Grand Prix returned to Detroit in 2007, the race has consistently increased its size each year, and 2014 is no exception, Cain says. “This year’s race is on a scale that it has never been before. We’re offering seven new races, like the Tudor United SportsCar Championship and the Pirelli World Challenge.”

Other new features of the 2014 Grand Prix include the Stadium Super Truck Series, which features small, high-powered trucks that jump off ramps on the Grand Prix circuit, and an expanded set of off-track attractions, including free monster truck rides, live band performances, and BMX demonstrations.

Last year’s Grand Prix generated over $46 million in local spending, say event officials.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit detroitgp.com or call 866-464-7749.