Associated Press (Detroit, US) - The Detroit Grand Prix has made its return this weekend for the first time since 2008, when the sagging automobile industry couldn't support the expensive event.
"It wouldn't be back if not for the support of Chevrolet," Detroit Grand Prix chairman Bud Denker said Saturday. "I think this race tells the world that the lights are back on in Detroit, we've seen a big resurgence in business and we're out celebrating."
Roger Penske's Michigan-based company invested $7 million in Belle Isle, where the race is held, for the races in 2007 and 2008 to spruce up a place that needed a lot of care. The Belle Isle Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, raised about $280,000 at a charity event Friday night in the hopes of sustaining an overlooked gem on the Detroit River.
"You could see and sense the excitement at the event," Denker said. "I think everyone sees Detroit is on the right path again."
After some spectators had to walk on muddy paths Friday, eight trucks full of mulch were delivered and spread by some of the 1,150 volunteers and three more truckloads of wood chips were expected to be dropped off on Saturday at a total cost of more than $30,000.
