IMSA: Hometown heroes: Chevrolet and Ford in the Motor City

Saturday’s Chevrolet Sports Car Classic presented by the Detroit Metro Chevy Dealers allows both Chevrolet and Ford the unique opportunity to showcase their cars in front of a hometown crowd.The TUDOR United SportsCar Championship event features Prototypes from both Detroit manufacturers in the 100-minute race, which takes the green flag at 12:05 p.m. ET.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership as the title sponsor of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and to showcase Belle Isle, our city, our state … and great Chevrolet racing … to the world right in our own back yard,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. “This event, which provides a great opportunity for us to connect with current and prospective customers and delivers great action for our race fans, also results in a significant economic impact to the City of Detroit and the region.”Chevrolet’s “Bow-Tie Brigade” gets additional motivation with the Renaissance Center – General Motor’s world headquarters – clearly visible from Belle Isle.The defending race-winning No. 10 Konica Minolta Corvette DP of Ricky and Jordan Taylor already has a 2015 victory, at Long Beach, the only other street circuit on the schedule.No. 90 VisitFlorida.com Corvette DP of Richard Westbrook and Michael Valiante won the most recent race on the schedule at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Action Express has two potent Corvette DPs, the No. 5 Mustang Sampling of defending class champions and Sebring winners Christian Fittipaldi and Joao Barbosa and the No. 31 Whelen Engineering/Team Fox DP of Eric Curran and Dane Cameron.Ford looks to use the event as a vehicle to promote its new technology with a proven Prototype.“We’re excited about what we’ve accomplished with our EcoBoost technology," said Dave Pericak, Director, Ford Performance. "Winning both the Rolex 24 and Twelve Hours of Sebring in less than one year with a production-based engine is something we’re incredibly proud of. We are looking forward to showcasing EcoBoost technology in our hometown at Belle Isle.”Ford brings Scott Pruett and Joey Hand to the show in the No. 01 Ford EcoBoost/Riley, coming off a second-place finish at Long Beach. Pruett was a former Trans-Am winner at Detroit.

Source: IMSA