Full Throttle

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has been dropped from the 2009 IndyCar Series schedule due to difficult economic times in the Motor City.

Event chairman Bud Denker confirmed the cancellation to the Detroit Free Press after meeting with city and state officials, sponsors and IndyCar representatives. The event was scheduled for Labor Day Weekend.

“We’ve been evaluating for the last couple of months whether to cancel,” Denker told the paper. “The Grand Prix is supported by regional and national sponsors, the Big Three, Audi, Porsche…We consulted with the city, state and sponsors. Considering the tough times we’re all experiencing, we just couldn’t ask the parties to give and give more.”

Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League’s commercial division, said the sanctioning body will review venues to fill the void on the 2009 IndyCar Series schedule after officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced that the event will not be held because of difficult economic conditions.

He’s also hopeful that the event on Belle Isle will return in 2010.

“The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term.”

IDLE RELATED SPECULATION: I’m thinking the Unlimited Hydroplane event held on the Detroit River between the city and Belle Isle may see some financial support cut, if not pulled altogether this year. When your title sponsor is the Chrysler Jeep Superstores the organizers have to be shaking in their boots waiting for a shoe to drop.