Penske: Racing should return to Detroit

Roger Penske received countless kudos for his leadership of the Super Bowl XL committee that pulled off a fabulous week of bowl-related activities, not to mention the big game.

Earlier this month, he was named chairman of the civic group, Downtown Detroit Partnership, which has taken on a downtown cleanup effort.

What more can Penske do for Detroit?

Perhaps spearhead an effort to return auto racing to the city?

"I think Detroit should have a race," Penske said Sunday before the Indianapolis 500, which his driver Sam Hornish Jr. won, giving Penske 14 victories in the famed race as a team owner.

Penske emphasized "should", indicating it is something that is a desire and want but not on the front burner.

Just as there were numerous reasons for the Grand Prix's departure from Detroit after 2001, the 20th anniversary of the event, there are numerous factors stalling its potential return.

They must be overcome, however, and not just because I happen to enjoy racing. More at Detroit News