Photo: Fireboat salute to the winner
180 degrees. It’s how much most observers turned their thoughts about the Detroit Grand Prix from Friday to Sunday. All new events experience growing pains and discover what changes need to be made. The Grand Prix made adjustments to the track after Friday’s practice, and I think they helped.
I was one of the skeptics. The track layout I saw did not impress me, and when I arrived the entire venue appeared to be shoehorned into a very tight space.
It was an event that grew on me and seemd to grow anidentity as the weekend moved on. Afyter Saturday’s relatively normal qualifications, I had a bit of hope for Sunday. The waved off start and the the first lap crash caused by Callum Ilott dashed those hopes momentarily, but once the gren falg waved again, the race turned out to be decent.
This race has the potential to be another great event. Its goal is to bring peoplke to downtown Detroit. It succeeded in that aspect. I talked to several residents of Detroit, most of whom never went to Belle Isle, but decide to check out the event since it was near where they worked or lived. The test is whether they return next year. People seemed happy that the race returned to the streets.
Fans Came and Stayed
Ususally fans who line fences in the general admission sections along the fence come and go during the race. The area typically looks less dense by the end of the race. Along the fence between three and four, fans lined up and stayed for the entire race.
Tweaks
I am not pals with Bud Denker, so he probablywon’t listen to me, but here are some things I would like to see done differently. While there was lots of signage in the central area around Jefferson Street, directions to turn three were scarce. The track maps were fine, but they were confined to the back end of the rtack.
I understand the geography limits what can be done, but virtually all the concession and merchandise tents were near turn three. The turn three vendors area was huge, but not everyone got there. A few more concessions at the other end of the track would be welcome.
I am not a track engineer, but I tink the runoff areas could be a bit longer and wider. That might have prevented two of the caution periods. Sting Ray Robb had trouble turning his car aroundin one area.
Up on the Roof
I venture to twqo rooftops Saturday and Sunday. The veiws were amazing. It was quite a party going, on, especially at the Center Garage. The roof was quite full.
Fans lined the wall to watch. There were a couple of lounge areas with viewing screens .Concessions not found at ground level were available.
The view was amazing. The roof was the only way to see turns 5 and 6.
I left Detroit with a much better impression of the event than I had when I arrived. Events like this take years to grow. Detroit seemed to grow over just three days. We wil see how well the promoters can sustain it. I’m guessing this is going to be a gem.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 