IndyCar - IZOD IndyCar Series Returns To Belle Isle In 2012

Indianapolis, Oct. 13, 2011: There's definitely a good vibe in Detroit, and the Motor City received another shot of good news Oct. 13 with the announcement that the IZOD IndyCar Series will return to Belle Isle.

The first Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be held June 1-3, 2012 -- a week after the Indianapolis 500. Tony Kanaan (2007) and Justin Wilson ('08) won IZOD IndyCar Series events on the picturesque 2.1-mile street course.

"Chevrolet has a long, storied history in Indy car racing," said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America at a news conference. "This year we celebrated the shared centennial of Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500. We're excited to see that history continue with the help of Penske Corporation and INDYCAR bringing back open-wheel racing to Detroit in 2012.

"This city is a natural for racing - it put the world on wheels and the roar of engines is something that simply belongs here."

The Chevrolet brand, which celebrates its 100th anniversary Nov. 3, re-enters IZOD IndyCar Series in 2012 with a V-6 twin turbocharged engine to compete against Honda and Lotus. The 2.2-liter, direct-injection engines running on E85 will propel the new, sleek chassis. On-track testing of the Chevy engine began last week at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

"It's a great time for INDYCAR by the fact that 16 months ago we set out with a plan on how we bring relevance, innovation and technology back to IndyCar racing and showcase what we see on the racetrack in the showroom of tomorrow," said Randy Bernard, CEO of INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series.

"It's been an exciting time. We created a strategy where we went from a V-8 to a V-6, we went to turbochargers and direct injection, and we were able to reduce fuel consumption by 33 percent on road and street courses.

"Chevy has come to the plate and said this is exactly what we need to deliver to show our product. To have them step up to the plate at Belle Isle is just one more very positive move for Chevy and INDYCAR. If you're going to showcase your relevance, there's not a better city that the Motor City."

On Oct. 14 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President for Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, and GM Racing Director Mark Kent will hold another news conference with the four IZOD IndyCar Series teams aligned for 2012. The next day, the Chevy car will take a few demonstration laps on the 1.5-mile oval as part of the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented by Honda.

"Chevrolet has been instrumental in bringing motorsports back to Detroit," said Penske Corp. Chairman Roger Penske, whose Team Penske is one of the Chevrolet teams for 2012. "The Grand Prix will draw international attention and visitors to Belle Isle, which is one of the most-scenic race venues in the United States. We believe the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be one of the most-popular races in the IZOD IndyCar Series and will play a major role in continuing the renaissance of Detroit."