Chip Ganassi believes that the ‘Dual in Detroit’ weekend at Belle Isle should cut back to a single race.
The past three editions of the Detroit IndyCar event have featured two races – one on Saturday, one on Sunday – and was the only double-header weekend on the calendar in 2015.
The extra on-track running places a great strain on the teams and drivers in the IndyCar paddock, and was particularly difficult to handle in 2015 when inclement weather marred the weekend.
Speaking to Detroit Free Press, team owner Ganassi called on peer and organiser of the Detroit GP weekend Roger Penske to reduce the weekend down to a single race, as last seen in 2013.
“It should be one race, like every other race,” Ganassi said.
“I appreciate what Roger’s done. I love him. I appreciate what he’s done for the town. I appreciate what he’s trying to do for the city. Appreciate all the hard work – make sure you put all this in there – but please let’s go to a one-day race.
“It’s too hard on the teams. It doesn’t really accomplish anything. If you have a bad day, it can be really tough, and both Roger and I have had bad days at the Detroit Grand Prix.
“I don’t know why that has to be the one lone dual event.”
The 2016 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on June 4-5.
