Grand Prix focuses on alternative fuels, Belle Isle improvements

The giant concrete paddock and the early set-up of bleachers and concrete barriers has many Detroiters grumbling about the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Model D has tried to find some positives to combat the late-summer grumpiness.

Here's one: while certainly no bike ride, the organizers and sponsors of the event have definitely made more than a nod to the environment, primarily in the realm of alternative fuels.

The event consists of two different types of races, including the Detroit Sports Car Challenge -- race 10 out of 12 in the American Le Mans Series. This competition features four different classes of cars simultaneously competing in the same timed event, as opposed to a lap race. Whichever car is leading after 2 hours and 45 minutes of driving, wins.

The Detroit Sports Car Challenge, presented by Bosch, is using the race to showcase clean diesel technologies in its Audi R10 TDI -- the vehicle currently leading the Le Mans series overall.

Although many people associate diesel with loud and smoky 16-wheelers, the latest diesel engines -- common in Europe and sometimes called light diesel -- are more fuel efficient and emit less carbon dioxide than standard gasoline engines (although NOx and particulate matter emissions are reported to increase). At last year's North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz in particular put major focus on clean diesel technology.

In the other main event, the IndyCar Series will be fueling its rides with 100% ethanol and the pace car will be a Honda Accord Hybrid. While most believe that ethanol use could create a nightmare for the bottom line of corn prices, the fuel is renewable, biodegradable and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

Another positive aspect to the Grand Prix is its commitment to Belle Isle. All net proceeds go to a general improvement and preservation fund. The  $100,000 already earmarked for the island will incrementally increase over the course of the race's initial five-year contract.

Source: Merill Cain, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh