» IndyCars: Belle Isle to return to the calendar

The IndyCars Series will make a welcome return to Detroit’s Belle Isle street circuit in 2012 after a two-year absence.

The Belle Isle circuit – ranked in our recent Top-10 feature of IndyCar circuits no longer on the calendar – played host to the CART IndyCar / ChampCar series’ from 1992-2001, before making another return to jointly host the IndyCar and American Le Mans Series championship rounds in 2007-8.

The announcement has come off the back of support from one of the ‘Motor City’s’ biggest carmakers, Chevrolet, who will be supplying its engines to several teams next year when Honda ceases to be the championship’s sole engine supplier.

“Chevrolet has been instrumental in bringing motorsports back to Detroit,” said Penske team owner Roger Penske, who was another important figure in negotiating the deal.

“The [IndyCar] grand prix will draw international attention and visitors to Belle Isle – which is one of the most scenic race venues in the United States.

“We believe the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be one of the most popular races in the IZOD IndyCar Series and will play a major role in continuing the renaissance of Detroit.”

[Images via LAT]