Shinola Returns as Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Partner
Shinola, known for its handcrafted Detroit-built watches, bicycles, journals and leather goods, will return as a Grand Prix sponsor and serve as the Official Timepiece and Timekeeper of the Grand Prix, held May 30-June 1 at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park.
Grand Prix officials are thrilled to continue the relationship with Shinola, the American design brand that is proud to call Detroit home. As a part of the partnership, Shinola will also continue as the exclusive sponsor of the Winner’s Circle at the Grand Prix. The winners of both IndyCar Series races will be presented with a Shinola, Detroit-built, timepiece while the winners of the other races during the course of the weekend at the Grand Prix will be presented Shinola custom leather products. In addition, the company will have an increased presence throughout race weekend with an activation area in the Meijer Fan Zone and a retail experience in the Corporate Chalets.
Shinola’s commitment to Detroit is clear – the company currently employs over 200 people in the US, 175 in which are in Detroit alone and they will continue to train local workers on the manufacturing processes involved in producing products that are built to last. Shinola is excited to be part of the reinvigoration of Detroit and the spirit of manufacturing which is the foundation of the city. The company was founded in 2011 and searched the country before building its state-of-the-art watch factory in the Midtown Detroit campus of The College for Creative Studies.
“We are very proud to continue to grow our partnership with Shinola, a world-class company based right here in Detroit," said Bud Denker, Event Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. “Shinola’s success is a perfect example of what can be achieved with hard work, creativity and determination in Detroit and we want to continue to help them share their story through the international platform of the Grand Prix."
Several of the top drivers that will be competing at this summer’s Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix helped showcase Shinola products on Friday, January 24, when they visited the Motor City. Chevrolet IndyCar Series drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Charlie Kimball, along with Pirelli World Challenge Cadillac Racing drivers Johnny O’Connell and Andy Pilgrim, wore their Shinola watches as they helped promote this year’s event and during their visit to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Friday afternoon (image attached). The drivers also got a tour of Shinola’s factory on their visit to witness first-hand how these precision watches and goods are built here in Detroit.
“This first-class event puts Detroit in the spotlight for all the right reasons and we are proud to be a part of this iconic city’s continued success," said Jacques Panis, President, Shinola.