When IndyCar returned to the streets of Detroit in early June, there were a lot of unique aspects that were put to the test when the paddock rolled into town.
Instead of hosting the event on Belle Isle as had been done since 1992, a new track was built in the heart of downtown surrounding the iconic GM Renaissance Center.
This provided unique challenges and opportunities, including the ability to give fans view of much of the track from free viewing platforms that required no ticket purchase whatsoever.
One aspect that the event organizers focused on was making sure that the streets were left as good or better than they were before the event, and recently-released statistics show the sustainability effort was quite successful.
Throughout the race weekend, 6.3 tons of unused food were donated to local resources instead of being thrown away.
In addition, 1.6 tons of leftover food that could not be donated was composted and used in projects around the Detroit area.
It wasn’t just food items that were collected, as 14.6 tons of cardboard, bottles and cans were recycled as well. These items were collected throughout the paddock as well as from the estimated 150,000 fans that were in attendance.
In total, over 30 tons of waste was diverted from local landfills and was put to better use in and around the Detroit area.
The sustainability effort was made possible through the help of 1,400 volunteers at the track and the support of local disposal partners Priority Waste.
Overall, the sentiment from the revised event was that it was a resounding success, and that the same model could serve as a guide for future street courses on the IndyCar schedule.
IndyCar prides itself on sustainability and using renewable resources when possible, and the series’ new Firestone tires that are made from Guayule rubber were in use during the Detroit GP weekend as well.
When IndyCar returns to the downtown course in June of 2024, it will be joined by the top sportscar and prototype IMSA classes reminiscent of when the event was held on Belle Isle.
