Organizers of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear have reported a major economic windfall for the region.
An independent study, the results of which were released Thursday afternoon, showed that over the three-day event in June, a record $104.4-million (US) in total spending activity was recorded, not only from local race fans but also those from out-of-town.
The sum covered economic activity in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. It also included the production of the downtown race course.
The Grand Prix returned to downtown Detroit this year after many years of being run at Belle Isle State Park.
"Driving economic growth for the City of Detroit and across Southeast Michigan was one of the most important elements of bringing the Grand Prix back to its original home on the streets of Downtown Detroit in 2023," said race president Michael Montri. "With the overwhelming support from fans here locally and attracting visitors from outside our region, we are so proud the Grand Prix generated well over $100-million in total spending and more than $35-million in economic impact this year, and we look forward to the event contributing even more to the local economy in the future."
The study was conducted by Sportsimpacts, which also conducted surveys of hundreds of race fans. Out of those who responded, 52 per cent said they came from outside the Detroit area. Race fans have also gotten younger, with the survey showing 42 per cent of attendees were between 18 and 34.
The Grand Prix will return to downtown Detroit from May 31 to June 2, 2024. Previous ticket holders are being offered a chance to renew starting this week, with ticket sales going public in early December.
Complete information about the race can be found on its official website.
