IndyCar Series to Race Detroit's Belle Isle Park in 2007

American Le Mans Series Makes Inaugural Appearance

DETROIT, Sept. 29 -- Automobile racing will return to Detroit after a five-year absence. The IndyCar(R) Series and American Le Mans Series have added the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix to their 2007 schedules. The races will run on Detroit's picturesque Belle Isle, an island park located just east of the central business district, on the Detroit River.

"This is a great day for the city of Detroit as the Motor City welcomes back one of its exciting summertime events," said Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. "Detroit has a rich history of being one of the nation's best sports towns and excels at hosting large-scale events like the Grand Prix."

The 2007 American Le Mans race will take place on September 1 and the IndyCar Series race will be held September 2. The Detroit Grand Prix is the second-to-last race scheduled for the IndyCar Series and will be pivotal to the series championship. The American Le Mans Series makes its first appearance in Detroit and the state of Michigan.

Detroit has had a recent history of hosting marquee sporting events such as the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and most recently Super Bowl XL in February. The Men's NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament will be held in Detroit in 2009.

"We saw with the Super Bowl earlier this year that large events can be the catalyst to move other projects forward in the city," said Roger Penske, Chairman, Downtown Detroit Partnership and event organizer. "Unlike past race events in Detroit, money earned from the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix events will go back into a fund earmarked for Belle Isle Park improvements and maintenance for residents to enjoy year-round."

"We are very pleased that the profits from these races will go directly to Belle Isle," said Mary Waterstone, President, Friends of Belle Isle. "Belle Isle Park is truly a Detroit and regional treasure. We are excited that the additional funds created by the races will help restore this historic park and its structures for the enjoyment of all for years to come."

Detroit hosted Formula One races on a downtown street course from 1982 to 1988. In 1989, CART raced open-wheel cars on the downtown street circuit. In 1990, the open-wheel race was moved to Belle Isle Park. The last race was held on the island in 2001.

"We are excited about racing in Detroit," stated Brian Barnhart, President and COO, Indy Racing League. "The island course will prove to be a worthy challenge for our drivers while at the same time providing fans with an exciting racing experience."

"With the American Le Mans Series featuring nine major automotive manufacturers competing along with a premium group of corporate sponsors, it became an easy choice when the opportunity presented itself to race in the automotive capital of the world," explained Scott Atherton, President and CEO, American Le Mans Series. "We couldn't think of a better 'fit' for our Series and we can't wait to bring the excitement of world-class professional sportscar racing to Belle Isle."

The Belle Isle racecourse will be staged on approximately two miles of roadway on the island's western tip. Public access to the park, outside of the race circuit, will not be interrupted. Additional details about the race, related events, parking, ticket prices and other information will be released in 2007.