Detroit Is Ready To Rock

Remember what I said in July about Roger Penske getting what he wants? According to the Detroit Free Press the announcement will ocme today that the IRL wil be resurrecting the Detroit Grand Prix at the course at Belle Isle.

On the one hand, I'm hopeful that putting a race in the backyard of U.S. automakers will lead to one or more engine manufacturers joining Honda in the IndyCar series. Hey, doesn't Chevy have a bunch of Ethanol-powered cars out right now?

On the other hand, the Belle Isle course was an especially egregious example of a no-passing road course. Plus, the locals weren't too keen on the logistical nightmare of the course, located on an island.

The Belle Isle racetrack, pits and paddock areas were criticized by some teams as being inadequate, while many fans complained about difficulties getting to and from the island and the lack of facilities at the track.

In campaigning to return the race to Detroit, Penske, who was instrumental in the successful staging of Super Bowl XL, said he would help improve conditions on Belle Isle, including the racecourse.

Let's wait and see what The Captain says at the announcement on Friday.