About - The Detroit GP returned to the INDYCAR schedule in 2012 after a few years off, and returns in 2013 with a double header race weekend. The track will be altered slightly in an attempt to increase overtaking opportunities.
Race Tickets - For $65 each we got race day tickets for grandstand 1, section B which put us directly behind the last slots in pit road with a good view of the start/finish straight and T1. After the delay in the race to repair the track many people had left so we moved higher up into the stand where we also got a good view of the cars continuing through T2.
AR - I bought tickets for the Front Row Club (FRC) around $120 for Saturday and Sunday, which entitles you to a front row seat on the main straight looking towards the pits, paddock pass and a programme. The price I believe has gone up for 2013, but this is due to the double header race weekend, but still great value! Friday was a free GA day.
Garage / Pit Access - For an additional $25 each we got paddock passes which allowed us to wander around the areas in which the cars are prepared before being taken to the pits. This was a great opportunity to see the cars up close, and also under the skin as the mechanics worked on them. If hang around in the right places at the right time then you'll get to meet the drivers too - we saw both Dario Franchitti and Sebastian Bourdais.
At the Track - There was plenty to see and do when the cars weren't running. There were lots of promotional stands and stores to see, most of which seemed to be running contests or give-aways. We saw Takuma Sato being given his hard charger award for his efforts in the Indy 500 and got to meet him briefly afterwards. There was also a very well organised autograph session for the Chevrolet powered drivers which we did have to queue up for but it was certainly worth the wait.
AR - There is no on-island parking, but parking and a shuttle bus is available for around $10, depending on where you park / pick up. The fan activities are mostly located within the centre of the track, accessible by using a bridge, there are times during the day when there is no on track activity, you can cross the track on foot. There was a number of other series running that same weekend, so plenty of value for your ticket. Belle Isle has some of the best volunteers I have ever come across at any event, great credit to the organisers and their teams.
Hotels - We stayed for two nights at Hostel Detroit which I would definitely recommend if you are traveling on a budget. Although we had initial reservations about the neighbourhood when we arrived, everyone there was extremely friendly and helpful and if you don't mind sharing then there's all the facilities you would expect and need. From there it was around $6 for a taxi to the city centre where the efficient shuttle bus service to Belle Isle runs from.
AR - I stayed in Taylor in the south west of the city, around about a 20-30 minute drive to the car lots / shuttle bays, there area was quiet with a few places to eat close by.
Also try - The Henry Ford Museum is a must for any petrol head with a number of additional exhibits along with the wide array of cars and other vehicles. A factory tour is also available. We debated going to see the Detroit Tigers play baseball but elected not to - a decision I regretted as soon as we saw the picturesque stadium the following day. For eating out I'd recommend the Detroit Beer Company which offers excellent American food and beer (which is brewed on-site).
AR - Be sure to check out Slows BBQ on the outskirts of the downtown area, some of the best food I have tried in America.
Tickets Available Here
Race Tickets - For $65 each we got race day tickets for grandstand 1, section B which put us directly behind the last slots in pit road with a good view of the start/finish straight and T1. After the delay in the race to repair the track many people had left so we moved higher up into the stand where we also got a good view of the cars continuing through T2.
AR - I bought tickets for the Front Row Club (FRC) around $120 for Saturday and Sunday, which entitles you to a front row seat on the main straight looking towards the pits, paddock pass and a programme. The price I believe has gone up for 2013, but this is due to the double header race weekend, but still great value! Friday was a free GA day.
Garage / Pit Access - For an additional $25 each we got paddock passes which allowed us to wander around the areas in which the cars are prepared before being taken to the pits. This was a great opportunity to see the cars up close, and also under the skin as the mechanics worked on them. If hang around in the right places at the right time then you'll get to meet the drivers too - we saw both Dario Franchitti and Sebastian Bourdais.
At the Track - There was plenty to see and do when the cars weren't running. There were lots of promotional stands and stores to see, most of which seemed to be running contests or give-aways. We saw Takuma Sato being given his hard charger award for his efforts in the Indy 500 and got to meet him briefly afterwards. There was also a very well organised autograph session for the Chevrolet powered drivers which we did have to queue up for but it was certainly worth the wait.
AR - There is no on-island parking, but parking and a shuttle bus is available for around $10, depending on where you park / pick up. The fan activities are mostly located within the centre of the track, accessible by using a bridge, there are times during the day when there is no on track activity, you can cross the track on foot. There was a number of other series running that same weekend, so plenty of value for your ticket. Belle Isle has some of the best volunteers I have ever come across at any event, great credit to the organisers and their teams.
Hotels - We stayed for two nights at Hostel Detroit which I would definitely recommend if you are traveling on a budget. Although we had initial reservations about the neighbourhood when we arrived, everyone there was extremely friendly and helpful and if you don't mind sharing then there's all the facilities you would expect and need. From there it was around $6 for a taxi to the city centre where the efficient shuttle bus service to Belle Isle runs from.
AR - I stayed in Taylor in the south west of the city, around about a 20-30 minute drive to the car lots / shuttle bays, there area was quiet with a few places to eat close by.
Also try - The Henry Ford Museum is a must for any petrol head with a number of additional exhibits along with the wide array of cars and other vehicles. A factory tour is also available. We debated going to see the Detroit Tigers play baseball but elected not to - a decision I regretted as soon as we saw the picturesque stadium the following day. For eating out I'd recommend the Detroit Beer Company which offers excellent American food and beer (which is brewed on-site).
AR - Be sure to check out Slows BBQ on the outskirts of the downtown area, some of the best food I have tried in America.
Tickets Available Here
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