Detroit Grand Prix Is Succeeding Where Others in U.S. Have Failed

The Detroit Grand Prix is succeeding where other Formula One races have failed--in the United States.

The sixth annual Detroit Grand Prix spins around the 2.5-mile downtown street course June 21. Practice and qualifying runs begin June 19.

Seven American cities have staged a Formula One extravaganza since 1959, but only the Motor City still entertains the international-oriented race. Detroit and Mexico City are the last of 11 North American cities to run a Formula One event. The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal was canceled earlier this year.

“It’s (the Detroit Grand Prix) successful in every regard,” said Burdette Martin Jr., President of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, which sanctions car races in America.

“If I had to put a finger on why it’s been so successful, it’s the management and organization. The event has grown progressively and has been brought along in a logical development.”

The first Formula One race in the United States was in 1959 at Sebring, Fla. The Detroit Grand Prix is the third longest-running race since then. Watkins Glen, N.Y., staged an event for 28 years (1961-1980) and Long Beach, Calif., for eight years (1976-1983).

“I don’t think the race has anything to do with the success,” Martin said. “It’s the organization that determines the success. Watkins Glen had organizational and location problems. Long Beach was successful up until the last race. Dallas was a fine venue, but it was an organization building a house of cards with no foundation.”

The Detroit Grand Prix struggled in its early years and its future was many times in question. But in 1986, it turned its first profit, drew 257,436 spectators and had a $22 million impact on the metro Detroit area.

“Last year was the first year we showed a small profit,” said Robert E. McCabe, president of Detroit Renaissance Grand Prix Inc. “It’s not a money-maker. We’re not in the racing business. If you’re going into it to make it a money-making business, don’t do it. That’s where some others may have gone wrong.”

Last year also produced the fastest Detroit Grand Prix with Ayrton Senna of Brazil the victor at an average speed of 84.971 m.p.h. over 160 miles. Keke Rosberg of Finland won in 1985, Nelson Piquet of Brazil in 1984, Michele Alborato of Italy in 1983 and John Watson of Britain in the 1982 inaugural.

Alain Prost of France, two-time World Formula One driving champion and current leader in the standings, is one of this year’s favorites. Although he has never won at Detroit, he has come close.

Martin said Detroit’s image has also played a role in its success with the three-day event.

“Detroit means motoring--that’s been very helpful to the situation,” Martin said. “Detroit is synonymous with the manufacturing of automobiles. Plus, it’s a street course like no other street course, including Monaco.”

While Formula One racing has caught on in the Motor City, it’s still fighting for recognition in the rest of United States.

“I think part of the problem is that Formula One has the worst TV coverage in the United States,” Martin said. “In Europe, it’s on the major networks. Here in the U.S., you need to have a cable hookup (ESPN).

“It’s very competitive in the United States. There’s the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500--there’s just too much competition for the recreational dollar. In other countries, there’s just one race.”

Despite the recognition problem in the United States, Martin said his organization has still been approached by American cities interested in entertaining a Formula One race.

“There are plenty of cities interested, but it’s a question of finding the funding for the race,” Martin said. “Plus, the problem is we can’t place one on the (Formula One) calendar.

“The Detroit Grand Prix has been a great example. It has a bright future as long as it stays in the heart of downtown. If they should ever move it, it would lose its charisma. We’re looking forward to a bright future with the Detroit Grand Prix. It’s a race that we believe will stick around.”