IndyCar CEO likes Belle Isle’s twin race format

Of course he says he likes twinbill. Mark Miles likes whatever IndyCar kingpin Roger Penske wants

IndyCar CEO Mark Miles sees no reason to tinker with Belle Isle's Verizon IndyCar Series doubleheader format.

Miles supports the unique two races on the island, which the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix adopted in 2013.

"I expect to continue with it," said Miles during a visit to the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center on Friday. "It isn't the way we want to build out the whole series, obviously. But it started here in Detroit, and it worked well. It adds value here."

IndyCar owner Chip Ganassi said in a recent trip to Detroit that he didn't favor the twinbill, the only doubleheader on the IndyCar schedule, saying it was too hard on teams, drivers and budgets.

But Miles thinks the Motor City can handle perhaps the toughest race weekend on the IndyCar calendar.

"Yes, it puts a little bit more cost and pressure on the teams, but we expect to continue with the tradition. We enjoy racing twice in Detroit."

So does Scott Dixon, who drives for Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

Dixon joined Miles at the auto show along with IMSA President and CEO Scott Atherton and fellow Chevy drivers Sebastien Bourdais (IndyCar), Christian Fittipaldi (IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) and Joao Barbosa (WeatherTech).

"I've always liked the two-race Detroit weekend," Dixon said of the "Chevrolet Dual in Detroit," which is scheduled at Belle Isle on June 3-5 and will be supported by the WeatherTech event. "I have had teammates who have disliked it, and I think it's 50/50 throughout the grid. But if you are here, you might as well race."

Dixon, the defending IndyCar Series champion, admitted the two races were rough on drivers and crews, but fans come first.

"It's tough on drivers and even more grueling on mechanics … but I love it personally," said Dixon, the 2008 Indy 500 champ. "Each day gives you a chance at redemption."

On Thursday, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500.

The historic running of the 100th Indy 500 on May 29 will be presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.

Although a break from tradition, Miles is excited about the race and the significance of the sponsorship.

"The start of the series and the 500 can't come soon enough," he said. "Everybody is ready to go racing. The 100th running of the 500 is our Super Bowl, and yesterday's announcement of a presenting sponsor I believe is a very good idea."

Atherton's WeatherTech series kicks off with the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona at Daytona International Speedway next weekend. At Belle Isle, the series has robustly supported IndyCar since 2013.

"No question, we play well together," Atherton said of the IndyCar-sports car mix. "We don't say that about any other combination. With 12 automotive manufacturers involved in our championship, including Chevy, Ford, Ferrari and Porsche, for us, being in Detroit and at Belle Isle, is ground zero as far as any place we visit. I hope we come to the Motor City for years and years." Detroit Free Press