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2009 Detroit Grand Prix Cancelled

This was my backyard race. Real bummed about this. Great event that brought a lot of positive energy to Detroit-

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/2009-detroit-grand-prix-cancelled/

Tags: Detroit, Penske

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Permalink Reply by JDB on December 19, 2008 at 9:05am

Thank goodness. That made my morning when I saw the headline. Not to offend your backyard, but that race sucked. The track is terrible, the parking was miserable, and having to stay in downtown Detroit was not pleasent.

Last year, a team's vehicle was broken into in broad daylight in a secured parking lot! Busted out the rear window and stole all their luggage. And there were 4-6 attendents working the lot that is dedicated to teams and officials.

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Permalink Reply by Joe on December 19, 2008 at 9:38am

I have mixed feelings about this one. While I liked the fact that it was another race, and in fact, one of the closest to where I live in NW Ohio, being only about 1 1/2 hr away, it was convenient in the fact that we could drive there and back each day for quals and the race. Additionally, they generally did a great job with the facility and providing a good experience for the fans (especially those bringing families) for off-track activities.

On the other hand, Belle Isle produces the worst racing of any of the tracks on the current circuit. There are many other venues that provide a much better "racing product", and face it, that's what the primary purpose of showing up to the race is. In addition, we had very poor experiences with those who were working the race, many of those who were working security around the pit area didn't know the proper credentials, and were having people leave the pits who had every right to be there.

That being said, if it were being held I would still go, but it's been my least favorite of the tracks.