Penske Says Detroit Grand Prix Canceled Over Sponsor Struggles
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Penske Says Sponsors Supported
Decision To Cancel '09 Detroit Grand Prix |
Penske Racing Owner Roger Penske, who "orchestrated the return" of the IndyCar Series Belle Isle Grand Prix to Detroit in '07, participated in a Q&A with Mike Brudenell of the DETROIT FREE PRESS to discuss the cancellation of the race for '09. Penske: "The primary reason for postponing the 2009 Grand Prix was driven by the economic difficulties facing many of our local, regional and national sponsors. ... For the 2009 period, it is not the appropriate time to ask our sponsors to give to the Grand Prix when businesses and budgets are being tested like in no previous time. ... All our sponsors supported our decision in light of the current challenges, and I am pleased to say that almost all requested that they return if the race is held again." Penske said of the possibility of the race returning in '10, "We must be realistic and evaluate 2010 as this year develops." Penske added open-wheel racing "has a positive future in the U.S. and especially" in Detroit (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 1/6).
IN & OUT: IRL driver Ryan Briscoe "will be part" of Penske Racing's 24 Hours of Daytona team for the January 24-25 event in Daytona Beach. But driver Helio Castroneves "will not" participate. Penske Racing President Tim Cindric said that Castroneves was "pegged for the team's second car, which ultimately did not have sponsorship," and that Castroneves' March 2 trial for tax evasion was "not a factor" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/6).
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