Detroit GP forced to hold 2013 ticket prices low after 2012 snafu
Denker also explained what happened with the patching of concrete in Sunday’s Izod IndyCar Series race.
His letter:
I want to personally thank you for attending this year’s Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Whether you were a one-day or three-day attendee, your support and involvement made this year’s event special and successful.
While it has been four years since we have had world-class racing on Belle Isle, we listened closely to the feedback that you provided us at our last event in 2008. I hope you experienced an improved shuttle and transportation system as we had 91 buses in operation compared to 71 previously. Many of you experienced our ferry service from the Port Authority to Belle Isle, which was new this year.
I hope you experienced an increase in the variety and quality of our food and refreshments provided by Andiamo. I hope you enjoyed our entertainment on the MotorCity Casino Hotel Entertainment Stage. I hope you enjoyed the nearly 12 hours of on-track action all three days. I hope you witnessed the improvements we made to the island and the beauty and incredible setting that we created on Belle Isle. Finally, I hope you enjoyed the hospitality of our over 1,000 volunteers, as they are the world’s best at what they do.
I wanted to address the track issue that occurred on Sunday during the IZOD IndyCar Series race. Although we paved significant amounts of track surface this year, we had issues with the patching to Belle Isle’s concrete surfaces, now more than 20 years old. The concrete is so worn and old, the rubber patching compound we used lifted from the concrete unexpectedly as it did not retain its adhesion qualities. Through 26 hours of previous on-track action, no issues appeared in any areas.
I am pleased that our team quickly addressed the situation and installed over 100 feet of concrete repair, in seven different locations. As my team and I were on our hands and knees pouring and mixing cement in Turn 6, we agreed that we would not succumb to such an obstacle and that we would return to green flag racing conditions as quickly as possible. We achieved this. I believe such resolve is truly an example of who all of us are in Detroit—we never quit, we dig in with our hands, we are resilient and we have the will to win.
Plans are already under way to ensure our track is perfect for race conditions in 2013. You have my commitment.
To show our appreciation for your loyalty and consideration, I pledge to keep our 2013 tickets prices equal to this year’s rate and I will reduce many tickets below our current prices.
Thank you once again for attending the 2012 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and I hope to see you again at next year’s event May 31-June 2, 2013.
All the best,
Bud Denker