Indycar (back) to belle isle in 2011?

**SarahFan** · 7th June 2010, 15:22

http://www.whtc.com/news/articles/20...ce-belle-isle/

*lets hope this is actually just some random piece of fiction from an obscure blog

**TURN3** · 7th June 2010, 16:25

I've seen 4 races on Belle Isle and it is by far the worst event I've ever attended. Randy, Indycar, if you're reading the forums, please don't go back there. You can come up with something much better (i.e. MIS or even a new course downtown Detroit if it is that important to be there).

**MDS** · 7th June 2010, 17:01

What I've never understood about Belle Isle is it's a park, there is no reason why they can't build up the roads on the Island to be a really good road course. Most of Belle Isle is undeveloped green space. There is plenty of room to develop a simi-permanent course like Circuit Giles Villeneuve without a lot cost, massive change to the Island's infrastructure or significant environmental effects.

The addition of some permanent seating, some walls and other facilities would cut down on the costs the Grand Prix,the course could be altered for better racing and if it could be used several times a year for other events it would increase the chance of whomever would be running it to make a profit.

**mileman** · 7th June 2010, 17:33

All things considered, this sounds like a bad idea - especially for the series. Roger may be trying to help out Detroit - but this event won't make a big difference. In the regional "neighborhood," I'd rather see MIS or Cleveland again.

**Chamoo** · 7th June 2010, 17:39

Agreed, this track is not wide enough, or racey enough for Izod Indycar's, and even FIL cars. I do like MDS' idea of turning Belle Isle into a Circuit Gilles Villeneuve type semi-permanent track, purpose built for Indycars.

But, MIS should be first on the list of Detroit area tracks we get back to, especially if you want excitement.

**nigelred5** · 7th June 2010, 18:22

Originally Posted by Chamoo

Agreed, this track is not wide enough, or racey enough for Izod Indycar's, and even FIL cars. I do like MDS' idea of turning Belle Isle into a Circuit Gilles Villeneuve type semi-permanent track, purpose built for Indycars.

But, MIS should be first on the list of Detroit area tracks we get back to, especially if you want excitement.

I'll third that. Belle Isle is about 3/4 of the way to being a great race venue, (Detroit itself aside) that could be an even better track than CGV. Widen the track, create a couple new, dedicated sections of race surface, and construct some permanent multi- use facilities for the track. I'd love to see another multi use recreation facility similar to Hermanos or like Fundidora Park was in Monterrey. I've been connected to a local parks and recreation council for over 30 years. Cities can find plenty of use for the track surface in such a facility. Marathons, bike races, concerts... I've called out a couple places in this area that could accomodate such a venue.

**bblocker68** · 8th June 2010, 16:58

Can we please get Cleveland instead????

**00steven** · 8th June 2010, 17:40

Personally, I like ovals better but, some road races are very good. Unfortunaltly, Belle Isle isn't one of them.

**Bob Riebe** · 8th June 2010, 19:02

Originally Posted by nigelred5

I'll third that. Belle Isle is about 3/4 of the way to being a great race venue, (Detroit itself aside) that could be an even better track than CGV. Widen the track, create a couple new, dedicated sections of race surface, and construct some permanent multi- use facilities for the track. I'd love to see another multi use recreation facility similar to Hermanos or like Fundidora Park was in Monterrey. I've been connected to a local parks and recreation council for over 30 years. Cities can find plenty of use for the track surface in such a facility. Marathons, bike races, concerts... I've called out a couple places in this area that could accomodate such a venue.

Destroy the island for a race, that would be foolish.
It is a park, leave it as such.

**MDS** · 8th June 2010, 19:29

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

Destroy the island for a race, that would be foolish.
It is a park, leave it as such.

You can have both, look at Circuit Giles Villeneuve, the race track hosts a number of runs, competitive cycling events, concerts and other events, and there's no reason why Bell Isle can't be upgraded in a similar way.

It wouldn't take much to expand and straighten The Strand to eliminate turns 8-12 and make the Casino turns into one big hairpin with permanent seats for a concert area. It wouldn't take much