The prospect of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix "returning in 2012 gained momentum Tuesday when City Council unanimously approved a request from race organizers for it to be held on the island June 1-3," according to Mike Brudenell of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. While the event's return to the Izod IndyCar Series schedule "is not a done deal," race Chair Bud Denker "is optimistic about its chances of revival." The IndyCar Series "returned to Belle Isle in 2007 after a six-year absence," but was canceled in '09 "because of the sagging economy." Team Owner Roger Penske "was a prime mover in the race returning to Belle Isle," and it is "well known he wants the event back -- but only when the city and sponsors feel the time is right" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/21). In Detroit, Darren Nichols notes Penske failed in an attempt to bring the race back in '10, but he "hinted last month during a Motorsports Hall of Fame induction ceremony that it might return" (DETROIT NEWS, 9/21). Penske yesterday said, "We've got some sponsorship things to tie up, and hopefully we'll be able to announce something permanently very quickly" (INDYSTAR.com, 9/20). The Grand Prix's prospective June 1-3 date would move it "back to its traditional spot -- the weekend after the Indy 500" (MLIVE.com, 9/20).
