The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has announced that the return of world-class auto racing to the Motor City, June 1-3, will include a series of free events presented by PNC Bank.

“We are excited to continue the long-standing tradition of ‘Free Prix Day’ thanks to support by PNC Bank,” said Bud Denker, event chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. “We’re committed to hosting one of the most thrilling, memorable events in the racing world the first weekend in June.”

The Grand Prix will feature “PNC Bank Free Prix Day” on Friday, June 1, when race fans can enjoy free admission for the day’s activities on Belle Isle. On-track events on the picturesque 2.1-mile Raceway at Belle Isle Park road course will include:

-- Practice by the stars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, and

-- Practice and qualifying for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, practice for the Pirelli World Challenge Series and Firestone Indy Lights Series.

New on “PNC Bank Free Prix Day” this year is free admission to the paddock area – the “locker room” of racing, where fans can see drivers and their teams, racecars and various high-tech equipment of the sport.

In addition, live entertainment will feature legendary Detroit band Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels when they rock the MotorCity Casino Hotel Entertainment Stage on June 1 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

“PNC is providing free admission to make the program more accessible to families throughout Michigan and the Midwest,” said Ric DeVore, PNC Bank regional president for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. “This year’s Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix promises to be more exciting than ever.”

The event will be held June 1-3, 2012 and will include the Chevrolet Indy Grand Prix eaturing the cars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, the Chevrolet GRAND-AM 200 at Belle Isle with the sports cars of the GRAND-AM Rolex Series, the Cadillac V-Series Challenge presented featuring the cars of the Pirelli World Challenge Championship Series and the Firestone Indy Lights Series. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com.

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