DETROIT (March 22, 2022) – On Friday, June 3, Comerica Bank will again support a tradition that began with the very first Detroit Grand Prix in 1982 by sponsoring Comerica Bank Free Prix Day and providing access to fans for FREE at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.
This marks the ninth year of Comerica Bank supporting Free Prix Day and giving fans the opportunity to experience all the racing, activities and excitement of the Grand Prix on Belle Isle at no charge. Visitors will be welcome in the paddock – the “locker room of motorsports” – to see the Grand Prix teams and drivers work on their cars, watch all the world-class auto racing action on track and experience all the interactive games, displays and family fun at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park for free, courtesy of Comerica Bank.
“Free Prix Day began at the Downtown Detroit circuit in 1982, and we are proud to continue to build on that tradition, thanks to our partners at Comerica Bank,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We love welcoming everyone in our community to the Grand Prix and, with Comerica’s support, fans will be able to experience everything our event has to offer for the final race weekend on Belle Isle before it returns to Downtown Detroit in 2023. Comerica Bank Free Prix Day is unique to Detroit and a great way to wave the green flag on race weekend in the Motor City.”
To celebrate the return of Free Prix Day in 2022, Comerica Bank and the Grand Prix will host a virtual engagement today with more than a dozen Southeastern Michigan high schools and community groups focused on motorsports and career opportunities in racing. The students will have the opportunity to connect with a number of Grand Prix-related guests, including Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires driver – and former Grand Prix Trans Am Series winner – Ernie Francis Jr. of the minority-led Force Indy race team. The students will also learn about running a race team from Force Indy team principal Rod Reid, who will also talk about the Nexgeneracers (NXG) karting and life skills youth development program that expanded to Detroit last year and continues to grow locally in 2022. GM Sports Car Program Manager Laura Klauser will talk about her path to leading the championship-winning Corvette and Cadillac racing teams. Comerica Bank Executive Vice President, Technology and Operations, Megan Crespi and Grand Prix President Michael Montri will share their experiences with the students as well.
“We look forward to seeing everyone back at Belle Isle again this year for one of Detroit’s great traditions,” said Mike Ritchie, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “We are honored to partner with the Grand Prix on this exciting event where guests can experience some of the world’s most outstanding auto racing for free on Comerica Bank Free Prix Day. It has been so rewarding to see students and families experience all the fun and enjoyment that this special event offers.”
The on-track action on Comerica Bank Free Prix Day will feature all four series competing at the Grand Prix. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will host practice as they prepare for the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon, while the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will feature practice and qualifying for Saturday’s Chevrolet Sports Car Classic. The rising stars of Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires will be on track for their first practice session of the weekend, while the Masters Endurance Legends USA series will also turn its first laps on Belle Isle with a practice session and qualifying.
For more information on Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, and to purchase tickets for Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Prix, visit www.DetroitGP.com or call 866-464-7749 (PRIX).
ABOUT THE CHEVROLET DETROIT GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY LEAR
The Detroit Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2022 at Belle Isle Park, the event will include the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic with the exotic sports cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the rising stars of racing competing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires and the Masters Endurance Legends USA. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com and follow our social media pages at www.facebook.com/detroitgp, www.twitter.com/detroitgp and www.instagram.com/detroitgp.
ABOUT COMERICA BANK
Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back over 172 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has approximately 4,600 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit’s downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank.
