Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 Teams Ready for Hometown Action on The Raceway at Belle Isle Park Street Circuit
DETROIT (May 30, 2012) – For the first time since 2008, the sound of IndyCar racing engines will add to the normal hustle and bustle of downtown Detroit. On tap this weekend is the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, round six of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule.
While every race on the schedule is important and demands dedicated attention to every detail, for the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 drivers racing in the shadows of Chevrolet headquarters adds the element of hometown pride.
With a perfect record this season on street and road courses, four poles and four wins, the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 teams and drivers head to 2.1- mile/14-turn The Raceway at Belle Isle Park Street Circuit with momentum and confidence.
"The return to Belle Isle is exciting for everyone involved with the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 program,” said Mark Kent, Director of Chevrolet Racing. “This race is an important event to showcase our IndyCar program as well as an opportunity to showcase the city of Detroit. With the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix being held right in our hometown, this race offers all of the Chevrolet and Powertrain employees as well as our partners in the Detroit area that have contributed to this program the ability to see first-hand the results of their hard work.
"The Chevy IndyCar V-6 is undefeated on street courses this year. We are looking forward to carrying that momentum to Belle Isle and having a great weekend at the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix."
For two of the Team Chevy IndyCar drivers, returning to The Raceway at Belle Isle Park Street Circuit has special meaning. Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves won his career-first race on the challenging course in 2000, and backed it up with another victory in 2001.
KV Racing Technology’s Tony Kanaan took the trip to Victory Lane in 2007.
While 2012 marks the debut of the all-new Chevy V-6 direct injected twin turbo charged purpose built engine fueled by renewable E85, the Bowtie brand competed previously in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines. During that period, Chevrolet drivers notched two wins at Belle Isle – 1992 and 1993.
For this event Chevrolet will roll out the Corvette 427 Convertible to take center stage. Each of the 13 Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 drivers in the field for Sunday’s race will follow the 2013 model of the iconic nameplate to the green flag.
The Corvette 427 Convertible is the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. For fans that desire a closer look at the car, it will be showcased in the Team Chevy Display in the heart of Belle Isle to give race fans the opportunity to closely inspect the newest offering in the Corvette line-up. The Team Chevy Racing Display will be open 8 a.m.-6 .m. on Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
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