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IndyCar - Track Repair Work Begins For 2013 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix


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Detroit, Sep. 11, 2012: Repair work has begun on the road surface at Belle Isle Park in preparation for the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, which will be held May 31-June 2, 2013.

After a successful return of IndyCar racing to the Motor City this summer - the first Grand Prix run on Belle Isle since 2008 - there were issues with the track surface that arose in the second half of the IZOD IndyCar Series race. The trouble spots were repaired quickly and the race was successfully completed, but event officials pledged that repairs would be made this fall.

After undergoing a process that included an engineering evaluation of the circuit, workers will be removing deteriorated concrete areas of the racing surface, evaluating and repairing storm drainage systems and installing reinforced concrete areas on the 14-turn, 2.1-mile track. About 80,000 square feet of concrete and 3,000 square feet of asphalt will be installed.

"As we said on race weekend when we experienced the issues with the track, we are completely dedicated to the future of this event and we would make the necessary repairs to the surface," said Bud Denker, Event Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. "Today begins the process of track repair that we expect to take eight to 10 weeks to complete. We will be using private funds for these repairs and ultimately this will result in better roads for not only the teams and drivers during race weekend but also for all of the visitors to Belle Isle during the rest of the year."

Work will be done on Turns 5-12 and about 25 workers from two separate companies - including the Detroit-based Pollard Concrete Services - will coordinate and execute the repairs.