The Detroit City Council has approved a five-year contract with the nonprofit Downtown Detroit Partnership, chaired by businessman Roger Penske, to organize the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. source: indycar.com The council agreed to direct about $1.5 million in federally funded street repairs for Belle Isle. About $7 million in repairs and construction to accommodate the event is scheduled. The Downtown Detroit Partnership will be responsible for the remainder of the costs, which include reconfiguring the streets to a 2.096-mile circuit with 14 turns and adding a paddock. Sponsorships will cover the improvements, Penske said. The group also pledged to annually donate a minimum of $100,000 to the city's recreation department for Belle Isle improvements. The amount increases by $25,000 each year for five years, even if the event doesn't turn a profit, Penske said. "I sit here as an advocate of Detroit," Penske told the council Feb. 14. "There is no downside. This is a fair contract." Castroneves heads fashion show CARA's annual Indy 500 Fashion Show will be celebrating its 26th anniversary May 24 with two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves as its honorary chairperson. "CARA occupies a very special place in the motorsports community," Castroneves said. "For more than 25 years, they have given so much to racing and non-racing causes. It is a distinction to be named honorary chairperson of such a classic event."
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