Day 2 -11 Detroit Grand Prix

June 3, 2023

     Little late to my own party here as it’s already the 3rd of June. But I won’t let it slow me down.

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     Fun didn’t start until yesterday when I traveled to downtown Detroit for ‘Free Prix Day,’ at the Detroit Grand Prix. The race and its events have moved to the city this year. Last decade plus, they’ve been held on Belle Isle, an island between Detroit and Windsor, Canada on the Detroit River.  

     Promoters, sponsors and different racing boards like Indy Car along with local businesses figured it was time for a change. Which breaks down to more money for them. And hopefully the city too. I hear all the hoopla about that very money it’ll bring into the city, but they had to come and go through the city to get to the island in previous years and if they were going to stay afterwards and patronize local businesses they would have. I just don’t see how confining them any closer to the restaurants, bars and excreta make any difference. as they were already parked there. Race goers were shuttled to the island by bus.  So no, I am not a fan of it moving inland and not for just that reason.

     My biggest disappointment of the race tracks layout is the seating arrangements. We, I had company this year as my friend Ralph came along, took the People Mover from Michigan Avenue to The Renaissance Center. The race organizers made a deal with the city to allow ‘X’ amount of free seating to the public. Thats fine. But after leaving the People Mover it was a half mile walk to it. To make matters worse, The Fun Zone, as it’s called, is a half mile in the opposite direction. That’s where the bulk of food, games and merchandising stands are located. Bad heart and all, I did make it, but it’s something I won’t do again.

     Above is a clip I took of the first Indy Car practice session of the day. Got to admit, seating was good just quite a hike, especially for those that have a handicap, like me and countless others.

    Below is a YouTube short of the Indy Cars running on Jefferson Avenue from the People Mover’s boarding dock. 

     Here’s an image of the People Mover itself from Google in front of The Renascence Center where we departed and boarded from.

     All and all, it was a good day. I love watching the Indy Cars run. There are other races, too, such as the Grand Am, which are fun to view as well. If you’re healthy and up for a walk I’d definitely suggest you attend. But be prepared.

     There’s so many sights and places to visit in the city, it’s well worth the visit.

     If you’d like to see more pictures of the day’s journey, please follow my main Facebook  Rick Ollie | Facebook 

  To my friends in Canada, I greet you from the United States side of the river. 

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