Detroit – On Friday, June 1, 2012 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a VIP reception, the Belle Isle Conservancy hosts the Grand Prixmiere party at the GM Global Renaissance Center’s Wintergarden in Detroit. Guests are invited to celebrate the return of racing to Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. The Grand Prixmiere is the official kick-off party for the 2012 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, June 1-3.
“The Grand Prixmiere is a fun way to kick off an exciting weekend of racing in the Motor City and we are thrilled to be able to support the Conservancy’s mission to preserve Belle Isle Park at the same time,” said Belle Isle Conservancy Chair Sarah Earley.
VIP guests – sponsors and Winner’s Circle ticket holders – will enjoy a special cocktail reception and the chance to meet and mingle with Grand Prix drivers beginning at 6 pm in the GM Showroom adjacent to the Wintergarden. Finish Line guests will join VIP guests for the General Reception beginning at 6:30 pm.
At 7:30 pm, patrons will proceed to the Wintergarden for a gourmet dinner and program. Guests will have a chance to learn more about what it takes to be a Grand Prix racer as ESPN/ABC-TV reporter Jamie Little will moderate a Q & A session with several of the top drivers competing at Belle Isle. Motionsports artist Bill Patterson will rev up the party, performing “live painting” featuring Grand Prix cars, drivers and our own Belle Isle Park. One lucky guest will have the chance to take a piece of the Prix home; Patterson will auction off his night’s painting to benefit the Belle Isle Conservancy.
The racing-themed Afterglow in the GM Showroom will give guests a chance to test their racing skills without needing the helmet.
2012 Grand Prixmiere Honorary Chairs are Jim Campbell, Sarah and Tony Earley, Kathy and Roger Penske and Kim and Mark Reuss. “We can’t wait to wave the green flag to start the weekend with the Belle Isle Conservancy at the Grand Prixmiere,” said Bud Denker, event chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.
Tickets and tables are limited and available by calling 248.336.8360 or at www.belleisleconservancy.org.
