IndyCar Series Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Canceled For '09

IndyCar Series Left With 17 Races In '09 Following Cancellation Of Detroit-Area Event

The IndyCar Series Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, one of the city's "highest-profile events," has been canceled for '09, according to Mike Brudenell of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Detroit Grand Prix Chair Bud Denker Thursday said that the decision to cancel the race, which was scheduled for September 4-6, was reached after "talks with the City of Detroit, the state, sponsors" and the IRL. The race weekend also included American Le Mans Series and SCCA Speed World Challenge events. Denker: "The Grand Prix is supported by regional and national sponsors, the Big Three, Audi, Porsche." Penske Racing Owner Roger Penske, a "force behind the Belle Isle Grand Prix," previously told AutoWeek magazine the race has "assets to continue on, but there's no reason at this point to have an event that wouldn't be first class" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/19). Denker: "We took a pause. We're trying to be prudent. It's not the right time to ask people (sponsors) for more. The good news is the IRL and American Le Mans Series want to come back. ... Our goal is to get through this difficult time economically and hopefully get this back on track in 2010" (DETROIT NEWS, 12/19). In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin reports the loss of the event "leaves the IndyCar Series with 17 races" in '09, but IRL VP/PR John Griffin said that the Labor Day weekend date "could be filled with another event" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 12/19).

OFF THE ROAD: In Pittsburgh, Karen Price reports the Tour of Pennsylvania cycling race has been canceled for '09. Pittsburgh 250 Commission Exec Dir Bill Flanagan, whose organization funded the race, said, "We went and talked to all of the sponsors who participated and got positive feedback from everyone, including the state of Pennsylvania. But no one stepped up to say, 'I'm going to take ownership and be the big title sponsor to make it happen again.'" Flanagan "has hopes the Tour of Pennsylvania may be resurrected for 2010." Price notes the '08 race cost about $3M (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 12/19).