DETROIT – The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is gearing up to be a weekend full of racing and performances by local musicians.
For the first time in four years, Belle Isle will once again host the world-class auto race, June 1-3.
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Setting up the Grand Prix
Hundreds of workers arrived on the island to prepare the 2.1-mile, 14-turn Raceway at Belle Isle Park.
The final pieces will be put in place during the last week of May when the race competitors arrive on the island with more than 200 massive race transporters, motor coaches and hospitality units.
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Music performances
A number of well-known local performers will be performing at this year's Grand Prix.
To kick things off at the IZOD IndyCar Series race, the Four Tops will perform the Star Spangled Banner. Detroit-born blues singer Thornetta Davis will sing the Canadian National Anthem.
Country music star Ronnie Dunn, formerly of Brooks & Dunn, will entertain race car lovers before the start of the IndyCar race.
How to get there
Because Grand Prix parking is not available on Belle Isle, attendees are required to use the round-trip Cooper Standard Shuttle Service that runs continuously throughout downtown Detroit.
In the downtown area, parking will be available all race weekend at Cobo Hall Roof Parking and West Jefferson Lots, along riverwest of Joe Louis Arena.
On Saturday and Sunday, street level parking lots east of the Renaissance Center building will be available. In addition, parking will be available in the Renaissance Center Parking Decks and Joe Lous Arena Parking Deck.
All passengers will be dropped off and returned from a staging area on Belle Isle near the Grand Prix entrance.
Parking and Shuttle Service Pricing
- Round-trip Shuttle Wristband: $10 for adults, $5 for children (12 and under)
- Parking at West Jefferson Lots: $5 per vechicle
- Parking at Cobo Roof, Renaissance Center and all parking decks: $10 per vehicle
Ferry Service
During race weekend, crowds in excess of 100,000 are expected to visit the island.
The Grand Prix announced on Wednesday it will be providing a ferry service to Belle Isle on race weekend.
The ferry service will begin at 7:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday. It will leave from Port Authority dock every hour on the hour.
The trip to Belle Isle should take approximately 20 minutes and will give riders along the way the opportunity to view scenery of the Detroit and Windsor riverfronts.
The service will cost $10 for a round-trip ticket for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
For more information on the up-coming race, visit www.DetroitGP.com.