Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Host\'s Free Prix Day Friday

By Raymond Rolak

Hotel space is available through the Detroit Sports Commission. http://www.visitdetroit.com/

The Grand Prix will feature “PNC Bank Free Prix Day” on Friday, June 1 when spectators can enjoy free admission for the day’s activities on Belle Isle.  

“We are excited to continue the long-standing tradition of ‘Free Prix Day’ thanks to support by PNC Bank,” said Bud Denker, event chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. “We’re committed to hosting one of the most thrilling, memorable events in the racing world the first weekend in June.”

New on “PNC Bank Free Prix Day” this year is free admission to the paddock area, where fans can see drivers and their teams, racecars and various high-tech equipment of the sport.

Also PNC is sponsoring the math and science initiative “Fifth Gear-Growing Up Great” to get young students interested in engineering curriculums.

Later in the day, live entertainment will feature legendary Detroit rocker, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels when they perform on the MotorCity Casino Hotel Entertainment Stage at 6:30 p.m. 

“PNC is providing free admission to make the program more accessible to families throughout Michigan and the Midwest,” said Ric DeVore, of PNC Bank.   

Also, PNC Bank, at area Detroit branch offices is offering a voucher for one free general admission ticket to all of the activities at the Grand Prix on Saturday, June 2.  The on-track action includes the Firestone Indy Lights race, the Cadillac V-Series Challenge race, the Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 race and IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying.

Off track, Saturday attendees will have access to the Meijer Family Fun Zone and will be able to enjoy a variety of performances on the MotorCity Casino Hotel Entertainment Stage, including the B-52s concert on Saturday evening.

The MGM Grand Casino is offering a ticket purchase plan at http://www.mgmgranddetroit.com/Detroit-Grand-Prix/ 

There will be no public parking on Belle Isle for the weekend event.  Instead, attendees can park in one of several lots in downtown Detroit.  The West Jefferson Lots and Cobo Hall Roof parking deck will be available throughout the entire weekend.  The street level parking lots east of the Renaissance Center, the Renaissance Center Parking Decks, and the Joe Louis Arena Parking Deck will be available on Saturday and Sunday.  Shuttle busses to Belle Isle will be available.  

http://www.detroitgp.com/volunteer/index.cfm?cid=17701 

For more information, visit: www.DetroitGP.com

Izod IndyCar Race Sunday, June 3, 2012 

7:30 a.m. Gates Open 

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass 

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Pirelli World Challenge Qualifying (GT/GTS) 

9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Non-denominational Chapel Service 

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. IndyCar Experience (2-seater) and Pace Car Rides 

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Warm-up 

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cadillac V-Series Challenge presented by Metro Detroit Cadillac Dealers 

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Drivers Autograph Session – Group 2 (IndyCar Fan Village – Meijer Family Fun Zone) 

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. IndyCar Experience (2-seater) and Pace Car Rides 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ronnie Dunn Concert on the MotorCity Casino Hotel Entertainment Stage 

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Pre-race 

3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Chevrolet Indy Grand Prix presented by shopautoweek.com